Book Reviews: Clockwork Prince, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Dead to the World

Goodreads Summary: In magical Victorian London, orphan Tessa found safety with the Shadowhunters, until traitors betray her to the Magister. He wants to marry her, but so do self-destructive Will and fiercely devoted Jem. Mage Magnus Bane returns to help them. Secrets to her parentage lie with the mist-shrouded Yorkshire Institute's aged manager Alyosius Starkweather.

Why I Read This Book: Another series I have gotten into, and was on 2 of my challenge lists: 2013 Paranormal Challenge, and the 2013 Sequel Challenge.

Review: I like the Infernal Devices more than The Mortal Instruments series, and this book didn't disappoint. I can't wait to see how it all ends with the Clockwork Princess, but I have been putting it off a bit so it won't be over too quickly.

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Goodreads Summary: A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. And a strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. 

As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here - one of whom was his own grandfather - were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a desolate island for good reason.

And somehow - impossible though it seems - they may still be alive.
Why I Read This Book: This was on my A-Z Book Challenge List.

Review: I really enjoyed this book a lot. It was the perfect amount of creepy mixed with intriguing and fantasy that it sucked me in. The plot was very interesting, with several twists and turns, and a bit of romance too. I brought this in to work and was reading on my lunch break, and everyone said it looked too creepy for them, because of the pictures. But really it wasn't overly, just enough to make it good.

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Goodreads Summary: In Sookie Stackhouse—a Southern cocktail waitress with a supernatural gift—Harris has a created a heroine like few others, and a series that puts the bite back in vampire fiction. Now the hit series launches into hardcover for Sookie's biggest twist-filled adventure yet.

When cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse sees a naked man on the side of the road, she doesn't just drive on by. Turns out the poor thing hasn't a clue who he is, but Sookie does. It's Eric the vampire—but now he's a kinder, gentler Eric. And a scared Eric, because whoever took his memory now wants his life.
Why I Read This Book: This book is again, one in a series I am reading. I joined a very specific Sookie Stackhouse Reading Challenge, and committed to reading 4 of this series, so this was my first for this year, but the 3rd in the series.

Review: This was a good middle-of-the-series book. So far the season of True Blood that matches up to this book has been my favorite, and I read the book after I watched that. It is pretty closely matched up, and I like this book a lot. It's probably my favorite of the books so far as well.

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Blog Tour Review: Naturally, Charlie by S.L. Scott

Goodreads Summary: Twenty-five year old Charlotte “Charlie” Barrow is caught between her old life and the one she is beginning to build when she crosses paths with a handsome stranger on the subway. Not looking for romance, she closes her heart off to the possibilities of love. With a knack for mishaps, Charlie maintains her sense of humor while befriending the kind stranger who seems to be there at all the right times.

New York freelance writer, Charlie Adams, is forging his own path beyond the expectations of the society circles of his childhood. Rejecting family money, and fast-lane friends, he is snubbed by his family as he follows his own compass to a life more extraordinary. 

Through a coincidence of events, they come to rely on each other for comfort. This is the tale of two Charlies learning to trust again while fighting their fates to create their own destiny.

Why I Read This Book: This book was given to me as part of a book tour led by The Readiacs.

For the full blog tour info, you can go here: Naturally, Charlie Blog Tour
The book will be available November 1st, 2012.

Review: This book tells a fabulously sweet story of two friends, both coincidentally named Charlie, who's relationship progresses into more throughout the book. I really identified with this book, as when I started dating my BF, he had a friend much like the Rachel character in this book. I think that the author wrote in a way that made the book feel very real, like a new relationship sort of does. I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but this book is just so sweet and cute, if I could, I would cuddle with it! I don't normally gush cuteness over books, but this one is just so adorable. The banter between the two seems very natural, and is pretty funny at times.Also, any book in NYC already owns a small piece of my heart!

Some things that were a little less than exciting, was that because the POV switches between male and female perspectives, there is often some repetition in events, which was well done in this book, but is kind of annoying overall. And, I felt a little like the ball was dropped on the epilogue. I just wasn't into it.

Overall, this was a great, quick book. If you are into cute, contemporary reads, I definitely recommend you pick this book up!

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The Fault in Our Stars - John Green

Goodreads Summary: Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. 

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. 

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Why I Read This Book: Like many books, I saw this one being posted about around the book blog world, added it to my TBR, and eventually bought and read it. I don't remember reading the summary or the back of the book until the day I picked it up off my shelf as my next book to read.

Review: If you have read this book, you will know why I say that this is a book for you to read at home, not while on a plane, or waiting at the doctor, or on the bus, or where ever else you find yourself doing some public reading. I had the biggest ugly cry while reading this book. omgomgomg it was so freaking heart wrenching. BUT, it was also a fantastic story of growing, learning, adventure, and love. I loved this book, even though I cried during half of it (seriously, BF thought I was crazy). This is the first book I have read by John Green, and I will definitely read some more now. (although can someone tell me if he writes using a 'formula' such as authors like Jodi Piccoult - I really don't want to read the same book with different characters and a different teen tragedy). Anyway, until I know that, I will recommend this book, and sign its praises because it was great. I will say, however that it was a little bit cliche. Cancer stories are a little bit overdone. I mean, there is only so much left to say about cancer. There is nothing groundbreaking about it anymore, unique treatments aren't even all that unique anymore. Also, Green kind of wrote this book to be intentionally heartbreaking. He was probably giggling to himself saying "oh THIS is really gonna make those ladies bawl!" But, as I said, I liked this book. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters, and I like all the characters. I thought Hazel's mom was awesome, she is exactly what a child going through that sort of thing needs. This review seems very jumbled, but I'm trying to do it quickly before work, so it will just have to do!

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Fablehaven (Book 1) by Brandon Mull

Goodreads Summary: For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

Why I Read This Book: One day when I was on Goodreads checking out some recommendations, I added this to my list on a whim. And then another day, not so long after that first one, I was at the used bookstore browsing and I just happened to come upon this little gem, so for $1.50 I picked it up.


Review: This was a fantastic children's book. It was the right amount of adventure mixed with magic and disbelief that gets you hooked on reading it. One thing that irritated me, but I guess it was sort of necessary, was how disobedient those damn kids were! I'd have lost my mind if I was their grandparent! Maybe I'm just too goody-goody though :\ Either way, if you have children who loved Harry Potter (or if you yourself loved it!) this could be a good 'next read' to keep children interested in reading books. I think there is 5 in the full series, and I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for them!


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Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Goodreads Summary: 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: James, 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.

Why I Read This Book: This is popular in the blog world, and I really loved the sound of the synopsis. I kept it at a distance though, because I was never sure whether to read this first or City of Bones. Anyone who knows me, knows I stress over reading things in the wrong order. After a bit of research (and reading several times that it actually doesn't matter) I decided to read the Infernal Devices first for a few different reasons 1) This series will only be 3 books, and The Mortal Instruments is 6, so I can read these ones faster and move on to TMI (even though the 3rd TID book isn't out yet) 2) This book pre-dates TMI period wise, and is something of a prequel. So, without any further stress over the matter, I dove in!


Review: I really enjoyed this book a lot! I'm not sure it was completely what I was expecting, but I think it was even better! The book was a little slow to start for me, and it was somewhat confusing while I learned all the "rules" (as I like to call them) of this books land. Once I got the Shadowhunter and Downworlders and everything else straight, I was hooked. I stayed up foolishly late to finish it. It was exciting and mysterious, all while feeling a little bit real which I loved! I adore the characters, and can't wait to read Clockwork Prince! The only thing that kept it from being a 5 star was the slightly slowish beginning.


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Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Goodreads Summary: St. Vladimir’s Academy isn't just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

Why I Read This Book: To be honest, I hadn't heard of this series or author before, but through Goodreads I had discovered the Bloodlines book and marked it as 'to-read'. I finally got around to getting a copy of that book and was about to start it when I learned that this it was a spin off of Vampire Academy. Well, I HATE when I read books out of order (to the point where I panic if I don't know what book to read next in a series - cue Women of the Underworld!) so I had to read the Vampire Academy series first, and now I am!


Review: I'm so glad I found out about this series! I really liked this book a lot. I found the book confusing at first, it definitely has a lot of elements that other vamp books don't have, which was fantastic as I am getting somewhat vamped out (and was actually reluctant to get into this because of that) but the fresh ideas in this were fantastic! Dhampirs and Moroi and Strigoi are all unique and fascinating. Rosa and Lissa have a great relationship which is fun to read about, and there was enough romance to make it cute, but not too much that it took away from immersing yourself into the stories world instead of just the main characters love story. Without giving away too much, I also love that even though the book was first person narrated, you got to see different perspectives as well. I thought it was fantastic.


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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Goodreads Summary: It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.



Why I Read This Book: I picked this one up on impulse at Winners because I noticed it had been laid down on the shelf next to the checkout. It was on my TBR list, so I picked it up. I had read some good reviews for it.


Review: I really liked this book. It is essentially the story of a girl growing up in Nazi Germany, who steals a few books (its hardly the main theme of the book however). Its eye opening in the way that you don't often hear the about Nazi Germany from the perspective of a German with the innocence of a child. The book definitely assume that you already know a bit of the history of the story, which was fine by me, as I do, but could deter someone who does not. The book also doesn't really take sides on "right" or "wrong" the way you would expect it to. Since the book is told from Death's perspective, it has more of a "this is what happens, and this is what people did" more than a "this is what they think and this is how they feel". I found this nice, because I as the reader felt what I needed to in places, instead of being told that the character does. I enjoyed the book, it wasn't a fast paced, can't put it down book, but it did tell a good story, which I enjoyed.


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Divergent by Veronica Roth

Goodreads Summary: Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place her in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

Why I Read This Book: I got interested in this book as many of my blog friends had good things to say about it. It is actually on my 2012 TBR Pile Challenge list, so I guess I jumped the gun a little bit on this book!

Review: I liked this book, it was fast paced, exciting, had likable characters, and ones to hate. The story wasn't exactly ground breakingly original, but it didn't stink of Hunger Games either like some of the reviews I have read. Tris acts a lot like a 16 year old girl would, regardless of her faction. Many reviews said there were plot holes in the story where Roth either added details that didn't fit, or added things that contradicted other details. To be honest, I was pretty wrapped up in the story, and didn't notice a whole lot of that. Once I read a few reviews with details, I did see what they meant, but this definitely didn't take away from the story for me, the mistakes weren't glaring - I am however by no means a critique, just a passionate reader ;)

I would recommend this to people who like distopian, and teen romance, and aren't bothered by a bit of descriptive fighting (and maybe descriptive heights either!) 

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