City of Ashes - Review

Book Review:

Title: City of Ashes
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books

“If you really love something, you never try to keep it the way it is forever. You have to let it be free to change.”
  
Fair Warning - If you haven't read City of Bones, I suggest you do not read this review as it will include spoilers for the 1st book and some for this book


Let me just start off saying that I enjoyed City of Ashes WAY more than City of Bones. I had many problems with City of Bones, the main one being it's inability to keep me hooked, however, I did not face that same problem with the second instalment. I was disappointed with the first book so much that it took me roughly 2/3 years to pick up this one. I guess that's what over-hyping a book does, it gives you high expectations, only to leave you underwhelmed.

Anyways, back to the point, although this book wasn't perfect, it was a step up.

So, we pick up roughly where we left off. Jocelyn is still in a coma. Valentine is up to something. And Clary and Jace are still brother and sister. One thing (and the main thing) that irked me about this book was Clary's relationship with both Simon and Jace. I found them cringy and awkward. The Climon romance that brewed felt rushed and forced and even though I love Simon and Clary, I did not like them together. I also need to talk about Clace. Where do I even begin with Clace? I enjoyed their flirting and relationship in City of Bones, but once they found out they were siblings, that flirting became uncomfortable. The fact that they believe they are brother and sister, yet they continue to silently pursue each other, doesn't sit right with me. (Though, we do gets hints at the end that Jace may not be who everyone thinks he is.)

Apart from those two relationships, I thoroughly adored this book and the relationships the characters shared. Also, while we are on the topic of relationships, can I just say that I am complete and utter Malec trash. I think we all can agree that Alec isn't the most pleasant person to be around, but when you put him next to Magnus, we can really appreciate his compassionate side. My current favourite ship of the series has to be Malec. They're something special.

Moving on from the relationships (I think I've rambled on enough) I found that as the story progressed everything became increasingly tense, which is a good thing. It kept me engaged and I was just itching to know what was going to happen next, and what Valentine had up his sleeves for the gang. The story did still drag at certain points, but for the most part, it was smooth sailing. The fight scenes were great. The character development was great. The world-building was great. The relationships (aside from two) were great. Overall, it was a fun, entertaining read.

4 Stars
Goodreads Link 

The Light that gets Lost - Review

 

 Book Review:

Title: The Light that gets Lost

Author: Natasha Carthew

Publisher: Bloomsbury

 'For mum and Dad and Billy he was ready to leap into the unknown and all he knew of that unknown was it had one single solitary name and the name was revenge'

 
I received an early copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The light that gets lost is a tale of an unfortunate young boy, named Trey, who's life is turned upside down the day his parents are murdered. Now, 8 years on since that fateful day, Trey has only one thing on his mind, Revenge.

This book conflicted me many times. I had read the first couple of pages and was immediately hooked, but then slowly as the book progressed I got bored of waiting for something to happen. It just seemed like nothing was ever going to happen. However, I would suddenly become addicted again. It was a never ending cycle, which is the reason that it ultimately became a 3 star read for me rather than a 4.

One thing I really enjoyed in this novel was how real and strong willed Trey was, especially when he was constantly in battle with his inner demons. At the start, Trey is only looking for revenge against the man who killed his parents, but as his time at Camp Kernow progresses and he makes a new friend, we see him begin to face an inner turmoil as to whether that is the path he wants to take. Should he get revenge or live life as a normal 16 year old?

It's safe to say that although I did enjoy some parts of this book, it didn't blow me away. It was one of those stories which when you read it, doesn't pull any real emotions out of you. You continue reading to see what happens next and how it ends, but in reality you're not truly connected to any of the characters, which is a shame.
 
However saying this, if you're a fan of Meg Rosoff's work, then I definitely recommend this book for you.

3 Stars
Goodreads Link

First Post EVER!

Hello!

After many months of deliberating, I have finally created a book blog!!

I've always wanted to make one, but for some reason I was constantly delaying it and today just felt like it was the right time - so here I am! I am excited to share all of my reviews and my favourite books with everyone.
I think I may just start off posting some of my old reviews on goodreads onto my blog, just to give it some content or I may just write new reviews but in bulk (like doing a review of an entire series in one post.) So yeah, look out for that.

Not much more to say apart from, I hope you enjoy my reviews and other bookish content!