{Review} Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Infernal Devices #3
Paperback, 565 pages
Published March 19th 2013 by Walker Books Ltd
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Bought
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Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

Tessa Gray should be happy – aren't all brides happy? Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute.

A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her. 

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

I'm impressed by Clockwork Princess and the way it ended. It was happiness with a tinge of sadness and it's really a good blend of the two emotions. Cassandra Clare has a way with her words to make me feel so emotional when I read Clockwork Princess.

I have no complains about her great casts of characters, ever. Each and every one of them has a big part to play and have their own happy ending of some sort, especially so for the main characters of the book. It's also good to see character development and growth through the characters' decision, sacrifices and thoughts from Clockwork Angel to Clockwork Prince and then to this Clockwork Princess. They will be remembered!

Reading Clockwork Princess made me appreciate the whole The Mortal Instruments series a little more, seeing how the characters blend with each other. There's this family tree in Clockwork Princess that displays the characters from one generation to another from TID to TMI and needless to say, I'm impressed. I will definitely re-read Clockwork Princess and the entire TID.

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{Book Review} Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices #2

Paperback, UK's Collector's Edition, 496 pages

Published December 6th 2011 by Walker Books Ltd

Genre: YA Fantasy

Source: Bought

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Goodreads 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, though 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.

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My Opinion:

I'm ever amazed by Cassandra's works. It keeps me wanting to read more! Clockwork Prince is a wonderful continuation of Clockwork Angel, the book which leads me to reading The Mortal Instruments series, making me fall in love with all her works.

So the search for the Magister continued in Clockwork Prince. Lots of things happened in the book. but he didn't appear at all, I think. We learn something about Will and why he behaved the way he did. Boy, when it was revealed I was kind of shocked. So that's why he was so bad towards people! Still, I love that attitude. I think I'm attracted to bad boys. I still think Will and Tessa are perfect for each other and kept hoping that they'll be together. There were good moments between them! Jem's another sweet darling.

Tessa and Sophie got to be trained in combat in this book. When I read that part, I immediately look forward to some exciting fighting scenes. And there's even a proposal but I will not say from who so it's up to you to guess or read it for yourself! Furthermore, I can't help to think that there's a link between Tessa and this older guy... 

The ending left me hanging and wanting more. Why did it have to end on a good part? I shall be looking forward to reading Clockwork Princess in 2013.

Overall, Clockwork Prince is an exciting and wonderful read. If you have enjoyed Cassandra's other books, you'll definitely love this book!

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Quotes:

• "Reparations," said Jem very suddenly, setting down the pen he was holding.
  Will looked at him in puzzlement. "Is this a game? We just blurt out whatever word that comes next to mind? In that case mine's 'genuphobia.' It means an unreasonable fear of knees."
  "What's the word for a perfectly reasonable fear of annoying idiots?" inquired Jessamine.

• Charlotte slammed the paper down onto her desk with an exclamation of rage. "Aloysius Starkweather is the most stubborn, hypocritical, obstinate, degenerate--" She broke off, clearly fighting for control of her temper. Tessa had never seen Charlotte's mouth so firmly set into a hard line.
  "Would you like a thesaurus?" Will inquired.

• "Well," Tessa said, sighting along the line of the knife, "you behave as if you dislike me. In fact, you behave as if you dislike us all."
  "I don't," Gabriel said. "I just dislike him." He pointed at Will.
  "Dear me," said Will, and he took another bite of his apple. "Is it because I'm better-looking than you?"

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About the author: Cassandra Clare

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{Book Review} City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
Series: The Mortal Instruments #4
Hardcover, 1st Edition, 424 pages
Published April 5th 2011 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Source: Library <3
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other one.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

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My Opinion

City of Fallen Angels takes place a few weeks after City of Glass. I was a little confused at first because I've thought that the The Mortal Instruments was completed at the third book since the ending was pretty perfect but hey, I'm not complaining! Now I've got more chance to read about the wonderful characters in the series! Yay!

City of Fallen Angels is an entertaining continuation for The Mortal Instruments series. In the beginning of the book, more focus was put into Simon, showing how he was coping with his new found status and his girls problem.Then some things happened and the story continues from there.

While the plot is good and the book is a page turner for me, I find book 4 not as good as compared to the previous 3 books. I'm still trying to figure out why and the first thing that came to mind was how Jace was acting in the book and perhaps his relationship with Clary. He's not himself! But at least there were some good scenes for the couple. <3 In addition, there are some things that i think were unresolved in book 4, like Simon's mom. I guess I'm going to have to read City of Lost Souls to find out more!

And oh my gosh, that cliffhanger at the end! *bangs head* That made me want to read City of Lost Souls even more! I need to get my hands on the 5th book now!

I recommend the series to those who fancy a little urban fantasy. :)

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Quotes

• "I'm joking," he said. "You are not so bad. You'll get there. You should have seen Alec do flips at first. I think he kicked himself in the head once."
  "Sure," said Clary. "But he was probably eleven." She eyed him. "I suppose you've always been amazing at this stuff."
  "I was born amazing."
  
  
  
  
• "You are just worried they'll hire a male instructor and he'll be hotter than you."
  Jace's eyebrows went up. "Hotter than me?"
  "It could happen," Clary said. "You know, theoretically."
  "Theoretically the planet could suddenly crack in half, leaving me on one side and you on the other side, forever and tragically parted, but I'm not worried about that, either. Some things," Jace said, with his customary crooked smile, "are just too unlikely to dwell upon."
  
  
  
  
• "We?" Simon looked at him in disbelief. "Are you ever going home?"
  "What, bored with my company already?"
  "Let me ask you something," Simon said. "Do you find me fascinating to be around?"
  "What was that?" Jace said. "Sorry, I think I fell asleep for a moment. Do continue with whatever mesmerizing thing you were saying."

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Other books in the series:
#1 City of Bones
#2 City of Ashes
#3 City of Glass

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About the author: Cassandra Clare
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Review: City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3) by Cassandra Clare

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: March 24, 2009
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
Rating: 5/5 Stars!! <3
Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

Goodreads Summary:
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that enter-ing the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.
As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?


Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

My Opinion:
I finally got my hands on this book! Was that eager to read what happens to Clary and Jace! So here goes...

In the third book of the series, Clary embarked on a journey to Glass City to find a cure for her mother's coma. She was left behind by Jace, who purposely told her the wrong time for the meeting and she ended up creating a portal and entering it together with Luke, thereby breaking the Law there. Lucky for her, he managed to save her from drowning in Lake Lyn but the cursed water made her ill and she was taken by Luke to his sister Amatis. A lot of things happened in the Glass City. She managed to retrieve the spell book as per Magnus's request but then, the wards protecting the Glass City from demons was broken and all hell break loose... Will Clary be able save her mother and also to convince everyone (Shadowhunters, Faeries, Vampires, Werewolves) to work together against their common enemy? Will Valentine be able to find the last Mortal Instrument and call upon the Angel and the purification of the shadowhunter race?

Frankly speaking, I love The Mortal Instruments series and the world Cassandra Clare creates. There are many scenes which made me smile and chuckle and the author never fail to amaze me with her world. It's great to see that Clary is still strong and courageous in this book. Oh yes! Now I get the answers to Clary and Jace. I'm relieved! Phew! The ending was great and it totally satisfied me. I'm glad that the author decides to continue with the series even though it was originally meant to be a trilogy. I'm craving for MORE!

A MUST READ if you haven't read the series yet.

5/5 Stars for City of Glass.

Quotes:
- “So it's true. You can walk in sunlight. I thought perhaps it might have worn off."
"If I feel the urge to burst into flames, I'll let you know.”

- “Malachi scowled. "I don't remember the Clave inviting you into the Glass City, Magnus Bane."
"They didn't," Magnus said. "Your wards are down."
"Really?" the Consul's voice dripped sarcasm. "I hadn't noticed."
Magnus looked concerned. "That's terrible. Someone should have told you." He glanced at Luke. "Tell him the wards are down.”

- “Is this the part where you say if I hurt her, you'll kill me?"
"No" Simon said, "If you hurt Clary she's quite capable of killing you herself. Possibly with a variety of weapons.

City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare

Genre: YA
Publication Date: March 25, 2008
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrow from Library
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father. 

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father? 

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.


My Opinion:
City of Ashes is a great read! I just can't put this book away once I started it. Simply entertaining. 

However, the only thing that made me frown was the fact that Jace and Clary are still brother and sister in this book. Hope there'll be more answers in Book 3!! Other than that, it's pretty much a good book. Now I'm intrigued by Clary's ability. 

Looking forward to Book 3!

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City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare

 s

Genre: YA
Publication Date: March 27, 2007
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrow from Library
Rating: 5/5 stars!!

Goodreads Summary:
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? 

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . . 

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

My Opinion:

I'm immediately transported into the book and couldn't make myself let go of it! It's a fascinating world and full of excitement and surprises! You have to read to it know what I'm feeling!

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Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Genre: YA
Publication Date: September 6, 2010
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 Stars!!!


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: 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.

My Opinion:

Cassandra Clare really brought me into her book and I really enjoyed it so much that I read it within one day without knowing it! I simply adore her characters! Tessa, Will, Jem. Right now, I'm craving for the second book which I will be buying soon! Oh yea, I regret not buying Clockwork Angel much earlier when I first saw it months ago! It's a fantastic read!

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