Review: Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)

 

Title- Clockwork Prince

Author- Cassandra Clare 

Series- The Infernal Devices (Shadowhunter Chronicles)

Preceded by- Clockwork Angel

Pages- 498

Publisher- Walker Books

Genre- Young Adult, Historical Fantasy

Rating- 4/5

ISBN 13- 9781416975885

Review No.- 50

Synopsis-

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 has 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.

Review-

I was so obsessed with Shadowhunter Chronicles just on finishing the SECOND BOOK!!! Thank god this series was completed long before I stumbled upon it, otherwise I would have died from the anticipation! On completing this book, I was soooo not able to stop myself from grabbing 'The Clockwork Princess' from my bookshelf, even though it was 10pm already :)

Tessa Gray has finally found her home among the shadowhunters. But when the clave plot to replace Benedict Lightwood as the Head of the London Institute and Tessa's safety is threatened, the shadownhunters of the London Institute have no other option than to find The Magister within two weeks or leave the institute to jeopardy for once and for all. As tensions rise in the institute, they discover that Tessa's parentage is darker than anyone ever imagined and that the Magister seeks vengeance for a long-ago tragedy.

The atmosphere and writing were just as wonderful as the first book. Character development was great too. Tessa learns to fight instead of just being protected by everybody, Sophie has a bigger, badass role in this book and Henry and Charlotte's quarrel was really sweet too. I also loved the fact that the author didn't just make Will to be a protagonist overflowing with bad-boy vibes and sarcasm, but also gave him a heart-wrenching reason to be so. And, speaking of Will, I honestly did not expect this much humor. His dialogues made me laugh really hard and I am so proud of the fact that I by hearted the demon-pox song.

To be honest, I did feel a bit disappointed with the first half of the book. I expected more action and progress in the story but it was so filled with melodrama. The love triangle was a bit tedious and annoying. I became a herongraystairs shipper in the next book, but not in this one. I felt that Jem deserved more than someone who actually loves his best friend more (or maybe I am just overprotective of Jem...)  But the emotional turmoil towards the end was worth it.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. Even though I gave this book 4/5, this series as a whole was a 5 star read and is still one of my most favorite series ever.

Review of Book #1 Clockwork Angel

Review of Book #3 Clockwork Princess

Review: Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)

 

Title- Clockwork Angel

Author- Cassandra Clare

Series- The Infernal Devices (Shadowhunter Chronicles)

Pages- 479

Followed by- Clockwork Prince

Publisher- Walker Books

Genre- Young Adult, Historical Fantasy, Steampunk

Rating- 4.5/5

ISBN 13- 9781416975861

Review No.-49

Synopsis- 

In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Tessa Gary descends into London's dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters-including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them... 

Review-

I was initially reluctant to start this series because, I have heard so much about this series and Cassandra Clare is so hyped (now I know why). I finally decided to give it a try after my friend recommended for what I believe was the millionth time (she would have thrown the book on my face if it wasn't for the lockdown). Now I don't know how to thank her enough because this series seriously blew my mind and is one of my all-time favorites.

The story is set in 1878, London. Tessa Gray arrives at London from New York to live with her brother Nathaniel. As soon as she sets her foot on the docks of Southampton, she gets abducted by the Dark Sisters. The Dark Sisters keep her locked up in the Dark House and torture her to unravel her ability to shape-shift (which Tessa never knew she had in the first place), all to please someone they refer to as the 'Magister'. And when Will Herondale, a young, arrogant shadowhunter, stumbles upon the Dark House and recues Tessa, she is drawn into the supernatural underworld of London.

The writing is easy to understand but at the same time immersive. The world-building is great, giving just the right vibes for Victorian London. I started the Shadowhunter Chronicles directly with this book instead of reading TMI first but I still had no trouble understanding the shadowhunter universe. The plot twist was good. The characters were good too: Tessa is a sensible but lost girl with some hidden fire, Will is painstakingly arrogant (we get to know the reason in the later books) to everyone except Jem  and Jem..... Ohmigod! I LOVE Jem sooo much! He is an ANGEL in disguise!!! (not literally, just metaphorically). And his story is soooo depressing....(break for shedding tears)....

Overall, this book is just the right blend of angsty drama, adventure and humor. I highly recommend this book. The last time I felt this good about a series was when I read Harry Potter (and that is the series which made me love reading more than my other hobbies). So that's definitely something. 

Review of Book #2 Clockwork Prince

Review of Book #3 Clockwork Princess

Review: Crave (Crave #1)

 

Name -Crave

Author -Tracy Wolff

Series -Crave

Pages -592

Publisher -Entangled Teen

Genre -YA Fantasy

Rating -4/5

ISBN -9781529355550

Review No.- 48

Synopsis -

There is nothing normal about Katmere Academy, or the students in it. Her uncle's exclusive and secretive boarding school is the last place Grace wants to be, but after the tragic deaths of both her parents, she is left with no choice.

Soon she realises she's entered a world like nothing she has ever known. Shapeshifters, witches and vampires roam the halls, existing in uneasy cooperation. As the lone mortal, the only thing Grace is sure of is that she doesn't belong.

Then she meets Jaxon Vega, a vampire with deadly secrets who hasn't felt anything for a hundred years. Something in him calls to Grace - something that could spell her death.

Because Jaxon walled himself off for a reason. And as Grace is drawn further under his spell, she begins to wonder: did she come to Katmere by accident, or was she brought here . . . as bait?

Review -

To be honest, 'Crave' is yet another book that I requested on NetGalley only because of that awesome cover (apparently, don't judge a book by its cover is too hard for me to follow). I expected it to be like Twilight, but I certainly did not expect to enjoy reading it this much.

We follow the story of Grace Foster, who recently lost both her parents in a car accident. She moves to an elite boarding school in Alaska- Katmere Academy which is run by her uncle Finn. As she struggles to set into her new life and new school, she finds out that nothing at Katmere Academy is normal. To start with, her schoolmates are all paranormal creatures. 

The characters are realistic and relatable (except for the fact that they are all supernaturals)- Grace is a not-so-perfect teenager trying to cope up with loss, Macy is the best cousin one could ever have, Flint is the guy who makes people swoon using his all-too-charming smiles and Jaxon is the mysterious, big, bad, broody popular guy. The writing is simple and easy to follow. I loved the dad jokes that Jaxon and Grace texted each other and the way how 'Legacies' and 'Twilight' are incorporated into the story. And the title of each chapter was hilarious (reminds me of Percy Jackson). The plot twist was wonderful, breathtaking and I totally did not see that coming. And the cliffhanger really makes you feel like you are hanging from a cliff!

The thing I did not like about 'Crave' is that it has lots of cliches. The bad boy cliche of Jaxon, the instalove cliche between Grace and Jaxon, the-damsel-in-distress-who-needs-to-be-protected cliche to name a few. Also I was annoyed by Jaxon sometimes. I was also annoyed by the fact that everyone kept hinting towards a big danger. And I certainly did not like the three chapters of Jaxon's perspective.

Overall, the book is good, nothing extraordinary, but it is thoroughly enjoyable (It is my guilty pleasure now) and that is exactly why I rated this novel 4 out of 5. I recommend it to fans of Twilight, Vampire diaries, Legacies, Vampire Academy and all the vampire books and shows in existence. 

I thank NetGalley and Entangled Teen (Hodder & Stoughton)  for providing an e-arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

Review: The Once and Future Witches

 

Name -The Once and Future Witched

Author -Alix E. Harrow

Pages -525

Publisher -Orbit Books

Genre -Historical Fantasy, Feminism

Rating -4/5

ISBN -0356512479

Review no. -47

Synopsis -

In 1893, there's no such thing as witches. There used to be, in the wild, dark days before the burnings began, but now witching nothing but tidy charms and nursery rhymes. If the modern woman wants any measure of power, she must find it at the ballot box.

But when the Eastwood sisters -James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna -join the suffragists of New Salem, they begin to pursue the forgotten words and ways that might turn the women's movement into the witch's movement. Stalked by shadows and sickness, hunted by forces who will not suffer a witch to vote -and perhaps not even to live- the sisters will need to delve into the oldest magics, draw new alliances, and heal the bond between them if they want to survive. 

There's no such thing as witches. But there will be.

Review -

I had great expectations for this novel, as 'The Ten Thousand Doors of January' is one of my all time favorites. But this book was completely different from the previous book, so I would suggest that you read this book with an open mind. The cover is just soooo stunning (just like the previous book by the author) and sets the tone for the story. 

'The Once and Future Witches' is an empowering story following the three Eastwood sisters -Juniper, Agnes, and Beatrice as they struggle for reclaiming not only women's rights but also witches' rights. The Eastwood sisters had separated a long time ago due to some misunderstandings. They are brought together by fate to reclaim magic feared by the people and to win the struggle against misogynic forces.

The writing was amazing, as if the words were woven together with threads of magic and emotions. Each chapter began with a spell (slightly warped and darkened versions of well known nursery rhymes). I loved  the way short, twisted versions of fairytales were included. The setting of New Salem, 1890's was mystical, eerie, dark and gives off just the right vibes for the story. The character development was great too. Each of the Eastwood sisters were unique and as different as people could be. Even the side characters were of great significance. I also loved the relationship building between the Eastwood sisters. I too have an elder sister, and although I love her, she drives me crazy, so I found their relationship very relatable. 

The only flaw that I felt was that the pace was slow, and at times dead slow. The author may have done this to let the readers take in events, but it did not sit well with me. Towards the seconds part of the novel, the story turned more interesting, so after that point, the story and pace were complementing each other. And the ending was EPIC and was worth it! 

I highly recommend this novel to everyone, especially for people who love fantasy or historical fiction and those who are looking for a powerful feministic read, to make you feel inspired and empowered.

I thank NetGalley and Orbit Books for giving me this wonderful opportunity to read and review this unforgettable novel. I also thank Alix E. Harrow for again writing such a beautiful, promising story to the world! 

Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Name -The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Author -V. E. Schwab

Pages -560

Publisher -Titan Books

Genre -Fantasy, Historical, Contemporary, Romance

Rating -4.5/5

ISBN -0765387565

Review no. -46

Synopsis-

When Addie La Rue makes a pact with the devil, she trades her soul for immortality. But there's always a price - the devil takes away her place in the world, cursing her to be forgotten by everyone.

Addie flees her tiny home town in 18th-Century France, beginning a journey that takes her across the world, learning to live a life where no one remembers her and everything she owns is lost and broken. Existing only as a muse for artists throughout history, she learns to fall in love anew every single day.

Her only companion on this journey is her dark devil with hypnotic green eyes, who visits her each year on the anniversary of their deal. Alone in the world, Addie has no choice but to confront him, to understand him, maybe to beat him.

Until one day, in a second hand bookshop in Manhattan, Addie meets someone who remembers her. Suddenly thrust back into a real, normal life, Addie realises she can't escape her fate forever.

Review -

This is the first V. E. Schwab book that I have ever read and honestly, it just blew me away! This book has a very unique, heart-breaking, unforgettable storyline. The writing is poetic, thought provoking and brilliant. I had to take a really long break after reading this because this book gave me a hangover kind of feeling and I was at a loss of words for describing this masterpiece (and also because I had exams upcoming as well).

The story is about a French countryside girl named Addie LaRue, who makes a deal with the devil to escape from her forced wedding. The devil grants her freedom and immortality but also gives her a curse. A curse to be forgotten by everybody the moment she is out of their eyesight. But after about 300 years of search , she finally meets Henry, an unremarkable boy working in a small second-hand bookstore, who remembers her. How and why he remembers her forms the later part of the story.

The starting part of the book was slow and a bit boring. But the story gains pace as we move on. The story takes places over two timelines: the past and the present. The past shows how and why Addie made a deal with the devil and how her relationship with him evolved over the past 300 years. The present timeline is about her encounter with Henry and his background story. I did like Henry but I still felt as if Henry and Addie's relationship was a bit forced (while I absolutely loved Addie and Luc's relationship). I wish there was more of development of their relationship.

The narration made me hooked on the characters (except the starting part). Some parts were so heartbreaking and I was able to feel strongly for the characters as they were very relatable (except Addie's immortality). The story conveys the power of art and the importance of mental health. And the ending just left me so mesmerized that I immediately gave this book five stars. Even though, there are some flaws as I had mentioned above, I was able to look past them at the masterpiece of a story (and it was totally worth it). In fact, I was able to identify the flaws only after scratching my head for almost a week (due to which I changed my rating to four).

Overall, I highly recommend this unforgettable, memorable novel. 

Thank you all!!!

It's been really long since I last posted a review, on my Blog or Goodreads. This was because I was preparing for my exams. Even though I did not post reviews, I was not able to stop myself from reading books. So, there are lots of books that I have read and need to review. Now that my exams have ended, I will continue reviewing books. I apologize for just vanishing for the past six months and I sincerely thank those who have been visiting my blog all these days and have been following me. I also thank feedspot for ignoring my terrible punctuality and giving my blog 78th rank in the Top 100 Book Review Blogs list!

Review: Flyaway

Name -Flyaway

Pages -176

Author -Kathleen Jennings

Publisher -Macmillan/Tor-Forge

Genre -Gothic Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Literary Fiction

Rating -5/5

ISBN -9781250260499

Source -NetGalley

Review no. -45

Synopsis -

In a small Western Queensland town, a reserved young woman receives a note from one of her vanished brothers—a note that makes question her memories of their disappearance and her father’s departure.

A beguiling story that proves that gothic delights and uncanny family horror can live—and even thrive—under a burning sun, Flyaway introduces readers to Bettina Scott, whose search for the truth throws her into tales of eerie dogs, vanished schools, cursed monsters, and enchanted bottles.

In these pages Jennings assures you that gothic delights, uncanny family horror, and strange, unsettling prose can live—and even thrive—under a burning sun.

Review -

First of all, the creepy cover design is awesome! Beautiful yet uncanny just like the story in this novella.

The novella follows Bettina (Tina) Scott, a nineteen year old woman who lives with her conservative, prim and manipulative mother. Three years after the inexplicable disappearance of her father and brothers, when she receives a note with 'YOU COWARD, TINK' sprawled on it, she sets on finding her long-lost-thought-to-be-dead brothers and to fill the gaping holes in her memory with the help of her two childhood friends, Gary and Patricia.

I don't actually have enough words to describe the writing 'cause it completely blew me away! The novel is set in fictional district called Inglewell and the atmosphere is just alluringly eerie, frightening beautiful and perfect (I am falling in short of words again). I loved the way in which urban legends where interwoven with the pasts of almost each and every character. I gradually got immersed into the novella and was completely astounded by the revelation at the end. The start was a bit confusing but I guess it was deliberately done to give the reader mystery chills.

I feel that 'Flyaway' is a kind of novella that the reader would completely love or completely hate. I, fortunately, just loved the book. But I do totally recommend this novella because it's completely worth taking the risk and Kathleen Jennings is definitely an author to look out for.

I thank NetGalley and Macmillan/Tor-Forge for giving me this wonderful opportunity to review this book by providing e-arc. All opinion are my own.

Review: The Princess Will Save You

Name -The Princess Will Save You

Pages -368

Author -Sarah Henning

Series -Kingdoms of Sand and Sky

Publisher -Macmillan/ Tor-Forge

Genre -High Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Adventure

Rating -3.5/5

ISBN -9781250237422

Source -NetGalley

Review no. -44

Synopsis -

The Princess Will Save You is a YA fantasy adventure inspired by The Princess Bride, in which a princess must rescue her stable boy true love, from the acclaimed author of Sea Witch, Sarah Henning.

When a princess’s commoner true love is kidnapped to coerce her into a political marriage, she doesn’t give in—she goes to rescue him.

When her warrior father, King Sendoa, mysteriously dies, Princess Amarande of Ardenia is given what would hardly be considered a choice: Marry a stranger at sixteen or lose control of her family’s crown.

But Amarande was raised to be a warrior—not a sacrifice.

In an attempt to force her choice, a neighboring kingdom kidnaps her true love, stable boy Luca. With her kingdom on the brink of civil war and no one to trust, she’ll need all her skill to save him, her future, and her kingdom.

Review -

What attracted me to request this book was the cover (which, I later learned, was done by Charlie Bowater). It is so gorgeous!!! I totally ignored the quote 'Don't judge a book by its cover' when I requested this book.'The Princess Will Save You' is the first book of the Kingdoms of Sand and Sky Duology and the next book is planned to be released on 6th July 2021.

The main protagonist of the story is Princess Amarande. Her world begins to fall apart when her father, Warrior King Sendoa dies in an inexplicable way. Heirs and rulers of the neighbouring kingdoms flock to Itspi to ask for Princess Amarande's hand in marriage, each with a cunning ambition of their own. And the princess has no other choice than to accept one of the proposals in order to secure her rightful throne. But after a powerful speech that she delivers at her father's funeral, her true love, Luca gets kidnapped to force Amarande's hand into a marriage. The strong-willed princess then embarks on a journey through the scorching desert of Torrent with the goal to save three things: her love, her kingdom and ultimately, her life.

I haven't read or seen 'The Princess Bride' so I honestly don't know how this book is a retelling of that. The plot is fast-paced, filled with adventure, politics and betrayal. I loved Princess Amarande's character. Unlike most of the royal people in books, she speaks from her heart. And the book ends with a cliffhanger so I am eagerly waiting for the next book. I also loved how almost every character had a plan of his/her own.

Although there are many twists and turns, I was able to predict most of them because of the raw hints here and there. I wish there was more of Amarande and Luca before Luca was kidnapped because honestly, I don't know how this pair of best friends became lovers all of a sudden. So I felt like the romance was bland and their relationship was somewhat forced and flat. If you are planning to read this book, I recommend you to go in with an open mind, not expecting anything after reading the blurb or seeing the cover.

I recommend this book to people who like high fantasy especially those books with a tinge of politics in it. I thank NetGalley and Macmillan/Tor-Forge for providing an e-arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

Review: Drowned Country

Name -Drowned Country

Pages -176

Author -Emily Tesh

Publisher -Macmillan/Tor-Forge

Genre -High Fantasy, Gothic fiction, LGBTQ

Rating -4.5/5

ISBN -9781250756602

Review no. -43

Synopsis -

Drowned Country is the stunning sequel to Silver in the Wood, Emily Tesh's lush, folkloric debut. This second volume of the Greenhollow duology once again invites readers to lose themselves in the story of Henry and Tobias, and the magic of a myth they’ve always known.

Even the Wild Man of Greenhollow can’t ignore a summons from his mother, when that mother is the indomitable Adela Silver, practical folklorist. Henry Silver does not relish what he’ll find in the grimy seaside town of Rothport, where once the ancient wood extended before it was drowned beneath the sea—a missing girl, a monster on the loose, or, worst of all, Tobias Finch, who loves him.  

Review -

'Drowned Country' is the sequel of  'Silver in the Wood' and the second and final book in the Greenhollow Duology. The previous book had seriously blown me away and I was kinda reluctant to even start this book because I knew it would be a powerful read (the first book gave that away). Like the first book, I didn't have words to review this one and I took a break from book reviewing for a whole month just to get past the dreams and illusions and the spells that Emily Tesh had cast upon me. I never thought that a duology of 100+ pages novella could do this to me!

The 'Drowned Country' takes up months after 'Silver in the Wood' ended, and unlike the previous novella, we follow Henry Silver in this one. Henry, the new face of the Greenhollow wood, is in depression, sulking and moping, after the dissolution of his relationship with Tobias. Until, his mother, Adela Silver comes to the rescue and gets him to help her investigate on the paranormal case of the disappearance of a young woman named Maud Lindhurst. And the hard part is not the investigation itself, but it was the fact that it meant working with Tobias Finch, who is acting as stoic as ever. And that's were the awkwardness starts. 

The setting is mystical and eerie. It takes a while to fit in pace with the story. Even though I keep comparing this book to the previous one, I feel that both were drastically different. This is more fast-paced, action-packed and has more romance than the first one. We also get to know more about Henry Silver in this one.

Overall, I feel that this book is the perfect end to the duology. I had my hopes really up after finished 'Silver in the Wood' and I was not at all disappointed on reading this. I highly recommend this duology to all the fantasy fans and I am pretty confident that Emily Tesh is an author to look out for in the future.

Review: Silver in the Wood

Name -Silver in the Wood

Pages -112

Author -Emily Tesh

Publisher -Macmillan/Tor-Forge

Genre -High Fantasy, Gothic fiction, LGBTQ

Rating -4/5

ISBN -9781250756602

Review no. -42

Synopsis -

There is a Wild Man who lives in the deep quiet of Greenhollow, and he listens to the wood. Tobias, tethered to the forest, does not dwell on his past life, but he lives a perfectly unremarkable existence with his cottage, his cat, and his dryads.

When Greenhollow Hall acquires a handsome, intensely curious new owner in Henry Silver, everything changes. Old secrets better left buried are dug up, and Tobias is forced to reckon with his troubled past—both the green magic of the woods, and the dark things that rest in its heart.

Review -

It has been almost a week since I finished reading this book and it took me so long to write a review because I seriously don't have words to describe this book even now. I am still not able to believe the dept and richness of this 112 page novella!

Silver in the Wood is a lyrical retelling of the Green-man myth. The cover is absolutely gorgeous and attractive and suit the plot of the novella perfectly. The writing is utterly magically and the words are weaved together in a manner that transports the reader to the lush forest of Greenhollow (or Green Hallow, to be precise). The plot was pretty fast-paced but still I was able picturize everything perfectly.

The story follows Tobias Finch, as the newly acquired owner of the Greenhollow hall, Henry Silver, stumbles upon his neat little cottage in the wood. Henry Silver is a bright, young scholar and budding folklorist, filled with curiosity about the mysterious Greenhollow wood.

I just loved Adela Silver's stubborn, reckless and fiery character. I also felt that the relationship between Tobias and Henry Silver was underdeveloped. I am still confused about the biggest revelation in this novella. That whole scene of rebirth was a bit hazy and I wish that particular element was a bit more developed.

Overall, this novella gave me strong flashbacks to when I read Hobbit (although no one is a hobbit or elf or dwarf or dragon in this one). I highly recommend this novella for fans of folklore and fairy-tales.