SCREAMING I DID NOT SEE THAT CURVE BALL COMING TBH.
It does well to tie everything together. :) Although I did not care for what transpired between Tes...moreSCREAMING I DID NOT SEE THAT CURVE BALL COMING TBH.
It does well to tie everything together. :) Although I did not care for what transpired between Tessa, Will, and Jem. -____-(less)
I started this book as soon as I finished the first one. I didn't like it as much as A Wizard of Earthsea, but it was still interesting to read about...moreI started this book as soon as I finished the first one. I didn't like it as much as A Wizard of Earthsea, but it was still interesting to read about the things that happen outside of Roke and Havnor. The plot felt a little too drawn out, especially when it went in depth into the labyrinth scenes. But, I still liked it.(less)
**spoiler alert** I constantly marvel at Clare's ability to create such a strong emotional connection between characters within the book, and between...more**spoiler alert** I constantly marvel at Clare's ability to create such a strong emotional connection between characters within the book, and between the characters and the reader themselves. Of course, I would rate almost all of her work with five stars, but I had a different reason to rate Clockwork Prince five stars.
As always, her plots are beautiful and nearly flawless. It is action packed - enough to keep you reading, never wanting to put the book down, but not enough to exhaust the reader too quickly with everything that is happening. The plot itself is simple, and easy to understand, but the execution - writing style, dialogue, character interactions - really blows me away. As a reader (thoroughly personal preference), I felt as though I could understand how any character in the book would say whatever is is they are saying. Clare helps readers understand the personality of each of her characters, so something as simple as "I like toast," says -insert name here- resonates with the true personality of the speaker. What I mean is that she can make something so simple - a gesture, or dialogue - and amplify it to become sentimental and touching to all readers. I have noticed it through this series, as well as The Mortal Instruments. And it's amazing how she is able to do it every single time.
Almost all of them - Especially Jem and Will - broke my heart to pieces. What bothered me a bit is the fact that Tessa is always the center of attention among a group of men. I like myself a strong, female protagonist in books, and it really isn't fair that she has two men falling for her. It isn't to my liking, especially when she basically has a free-for-all between Jem and Will every single night. It isn't fair to Jem, either, to accept his proposal when she knows, deep down, how she feels about Will. One moment, she is feverishly kissing Jem, believing that she loves him, and then the next, she is breathing Will in on the balcony of Benedict Lightwood's banquet. And then after that, during her carriage ride to visit Jessamine, she is back on Jem again. It isn't fair to either Will or Jem, for Tessa to be as fickle as she is. Will, because every time Tessa responds to Will's kisses, he thinks he has a closer shot at having her. And same thing goes for Jem as well. Tessa could never make up her mind about either man; If she's with Jem, all she thinks about Will, and when she's kissing Will, all she sees is Jem in her mind. They are both such sweet men, that I couldn't stand the idea of either of their hearts getting crushes. ...Actually, I do a much stronger preference for Jem, and threw multiple fits at Tessa's encounters with him. And then again during the wedding proposal. But with my personal feelings aside for Jem, her current situation of being engaged to Jem leaves both men deprived of something. Jem, with the truth about how Will feels about Tessa and his solution to his five-year old problem, and Will, deprived of Tessa's true love for him. Tessa sees and describes Will in a way where she would never describe Jem.
But to be honest, the reason why I gave this book five stars was because of the constant love triangles and relations that kept on blossoming. The plot was simple and well stated - for sure, not at the same complexity as The Mortal Instruments (unless something unravels itself in Clockwork Princess)- but either way, I thoroughly enjoyed it through and through.(less)
ACTUAL RATING: 0.5. I only wish I could go that low. *Some spoilers, although I don't think these could ruin the book any further.
There are many things...moreACTUAL RATING: 0.5. I only wish I could go that low. *Some spoilers, although I don't think these could ruin the book any further.
There are many things wrong with this book. First off, I graciously tolerated it for a full 176 pages. I continued to read, because I wanted to see it better itself. I waited and read, waited and read. Eventually, I was skimming over the pages, waiting to see if anything even changes. It didn't. I was aware of a few things when I was reading. One, was that it was the classic "dark mysterious Edward going after the not-so-known- Bella, with a happy go lucky but distant Jacob" thing going on. I mean this in the most serious way: The first half of the book was really all about how two guys are trying to go for her. How convenient they both just moved to the school, huh? In the course of 150 pages, she already had 2 near death experience, and it just so happens that she doesn't even remember either of them clearly, doubting herself. Oh. And what was THAT about. Patch in her head or something? He just appears to be everywhere she is. He's known the girl personally for what 5 days, then he's a stalker in denial? No one DOES that. NO ONE. I know this book is suppose to be about the supernatural world, it is based off of some sort of reality, and no one in reality gets that intimate that quickly. He even goes and wipes lip-gloss off of her. Creep. At first, the beginning drew me in, then it was all over as soon as it started. And what was up with that sex ed thing in the beginning? I didn't understand how that was relevant to the novel what so ever. I kept on having to remind myself it wasn't written in third person, although I constantly felt like it was. I found it entirely amusing that she let him into her house after going on the Archangel, after she told herself multiple times he's "bad and dark". Oh. And that bomb threat. They were that desperate to look up a guy on student records to call in a BOMB THREAT? They hardly know Patch, but they broke into the office, issued a bomb threat, and looked through the file folder? I get that they think he's a stalker, but a bomb threat? Really? I can't believe I used up my precious time on this book when I could be reading something a lot better. I thought it would get better. The best thing this book did to me was make me smile. Not laugh - just smile. Horribly written book, and I have no idea how it even got published.(less)
**spoiler alert** I'm not quite sure how to rate this book; I'm caught between a 2 and a 3. I guess a 2.5 is a fair enough rating? I liked it and disli...more**spoiler alert** I'm not quite sure how to rate this book; I'm caught between a 2 and a 3. I guess a 2.5 is a fair enough rating? I liked it and disliked it at the same time, but it really didn't reach my expectations. At all. I was actually quite disappointed ,but there are some things I enjoyed. Either way, I set aside everything to finish this book. I loved the series before it when it was a trilogy, and I was so excited when I found out a 4th book was coming out. I thought it could top the other three. I was already a huge fan of Clare's work, having read TMI and Clockwork Angel from TID. I expected the same reaction from reading CoFA, but that wasn't the case. I felt like this book was forced out. The series itself had been brilliant when it stood standing with three books. There were many flaws weaved into CoFA. Clary, in the previous books, was a strong minded individual who had enough will to stand up for herself. She really didn't need anyone fending for her, because her character is so strong. Jace mentioned it repeatedly, praising Clary of her strong personality. In this book, it crumbled, because it seemed like she relied on Jace for a number of things, those of which included her life, her decisions, and the safety of herself, him, and others. Simon and Jace are always constantly looking out for her, even when, from the previous books, we area ll well aware that Clary can take care of herself. Jace always came to her rescue, and of course, the forbidden love situation had a play of its part as well. Throughout the series, Jace and Clary were always so close, yet so far from each other. First they had the Shadowhuner-Mundane barrier, which progressed to the Brother-Sister barrier. After finally getting together, yet another barrier stood in the way: The Dark-Light barrier. They always, ALWAYS have to run circles around each other, and it gets repetitive and boring. If you think about it, they've known each other for approximately six months, yet they're willing to go through Heaven and Hell to save each other. I'm not saying that's not romantic and all, but really? Many times, Jace brought up the idea of "not deserving Clary". He forced himself to say away from her, which immediately reminded me of how Edward had to say away from Bella because he's always a danger to her. CoFA was a forbidden dance between two lovers who really can't have each other. It's almost as if they're walking on eggshells around each other. It felt just too Twilight-ish for me, but I guess there are some good storylines within the book. I liked the idea of creating the new demon children. I would have never guessed on it. What made the novel better was that they used human babies to create them. It's so messed up, malicious, and well-crafted at the same time. It was awesome. And boy, I was not expecting Sebastian to come back, better yet, into Jace. I nearly chucked the book across the room if it weren't because it was my friend's copy. Poor Jace, having to live with Sebastian in his head. I was blown away. I loved the little twist of Maia's ex coming back too - Jordan Kyle. It made scenarios more intense, and many parts I had to let out a little "Awh!" at Jordan's actions. He was just too cute! All in all, I would read the next book in the series, since I want to find out all about what happened with Jace, Isabelle and Simon, and Maia and Jordan, and Jocelyn and Luke, and Lilith, and everything. I just hope it's not written as lovey-dovey, "I want to die for you ten times over".(less)
Wow. If every guy wrote like that, the world would be even more chaotic; with the swooning...moreman oh man. I like this version a lot better.
Merged review:
Wow. If every guy wrote like that, the world would be even more chaotic; with the swooning girls and the risk taking to make your loved one happy. Not saying that every guy should write like that, but my hypothetical guy, or sometime in my dreams, with me waking up blushing. ...That's obviously like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but Clary found her's. A girl can dream, right?
Merged review:
*Major spoilers.
Wow. Wow wow wow. WOW. Best book of the trilogy. Hands down. If it weren't for all the distractions in life, I would have blazed this book through in one night. I was near tears when I found out Jace died. BUT HE DIDN'T! Thank God. I had this whole fantasy thing going on with Clary and Jace and their life, and when Valentine freaking stabbed him, I was ready to go into that world and strangle him myself. If I was ninja enough. I honestly really liked Sebastian (Johnathan), even though he was the biggest villain/antagonist ever. He was so calm and collected and polite when I first met him, and the tables turned 540 degrees when he showed his true colors. It was neat how deceptive he was. xD I was afraid that the quality of TMI would plummet as it was written, but I was so happy it wasn't. If anything, it was just getting better and better. I would reread this series over, and I still feel like I would be discovering new things. I can't wait until The City of Fallen Angels comes out! I got Clockwork Angel in my possession, and I hope it's as good as TMI. Cassandra Clare is by far one of my top 5 authors. (:(less)
*Couple spoilers. Again, if I could rate this book higher than a 5, I would. The Mortal Instruments series is one of the very few series where I blaze...more*Couple spoilers. Again, if I could rate this book higher than a 5, I would. The Mortal Instruments series is one of the very few series where I blaze through the books in a matter of a few days, just because it's so exciting and riveting. I simply love every scenario, every page of it. Oh my goodness. First off, again, I didn't see anything coming, maybe perhaps when Simon turned into a vampire. But everything else blew me away. I could never put it down because of the suspense it had in store. I carried this book around like it was my best friend. Everywhere I went, it was by my side. I was so surprised with the murder of the Silent Brothers, but even then, it made the story all the more interesting. I mean, the Silent Brothers can't see anything, and they choose to live that way, so what possibly could they be afraid of? It simply blew my mind to bits. I love how Clare wrote the book as well. She incorporated many different types of words, as well as languages, which I think in its own element would make the reader enjoy the books even more. I laughed at some parts, cried at some parts, along with many different emotions that could go through my head. If I had to read this book over again, or any book in the series, I think I'd still get caught off guard with the twists and turns. What bothered me was when Simon and Clary "dated". It was kind of like a Twilight spin off, with the boyfriend being the vampire, and the girl caught in th the middle of affections between Jace, who could be the Jacob, and Simon, who's the Edward. I was relieved when they broke up. Don't get me wrong, I love all the characters in the book, and yes, even Valentine. Simon is near and dear to my heart. His character is impossible to hate, haha.(less)
Coming into this book, I didn't think I would like it very much. But as I kept on reading, I liked it more and more, and at one point I didn't want to...moreComing into this book, I didn't think I would like it very much. But as I kept on reading, I liked it more and more, and at one point I didn't want to put it down. The idea seems so unique and original. To me, most fantasy books are the same, but it's still my favorite genre. It was hard for me to rate the book, because it was wonderful, but the tone of the narration was a bit dull. It felt choppy to me. Nonetheless, I very much enjoyed reading it.(less)
I had a hard time rating this book. I liked some parts of it, but at other parts, I was tempted to skip. I suppose it could be a three star book.
The...moreI had a hard time rating this book. I liked some parts of it, but at other parts, I was tempted to skip. I suppose it could be a three star book.
The ending was too drawn out. I think that's what made me rate this a two starred book instead of a three starred one. But, the concept is interesting enough for me to get the second book.(less)
Starting off, I'd like to say that I enjoyed this book, to an extent. It made me laugh a couple times as well. The book started of...moreActual rating: 3.5.
Starting off, I'd like to say that I enjoyed this book, to an extent. It made me laugh a couple times as well. The book started off very well, and it drew me in almost immediately. I kept on reading and reading. I loved how Rothfuss described the scenes and how each character was so distinct, yet they were also very much connected to each other. They all had the chemistry needed to produce a well written novel.
However.
At one point, I began to feel as though the book became too much - As in, too long. Kvothe wavered back and forth over the same problems, crossing the line into the good of the situation and then to the bad again. He was either wealthy or back into poverty. I'm not saying that going back and forth is a bad thing in a book, but it felt like it was done over, and over, and over, and over...It came to a point where I even forgot what was happening in the book because the going back and forth of being poor and then not being poor confused me. Near the end, I had to force myself to finish the book because I was well over 75% done, but I didn't enjoy the last stretch as I enjoyed the first start.
The lack of an actual, intense, climatic point really did me in. I was annoyed. I thought after all that Kvothe had written, I would have read a better, captivated conflict. Sure, there are small conflicts throughout the book, but I still missed my huge climatic point there.
I pulled out a couple quotes from the book, just because I thought they were so extraordinary and I have never seen it written out this way, and it made me laugh. Some of them made me laugh harder than they should have. They're not going to spoil anything, so if you're looking for a good laugh, then read away:
pg. 250 - "'Ria, is that short for Rian?' 'Yes, it is,' she smiled. 'Rian, would you please cross your legs?' The request was made with such an earnest tone that not even a titter escaped the class. Looking puzzled, Rian crossed her legs. 'Now that the gates of hell are closed,' Hemme said in his normal, rougher tones. 'We can begin.'"
pg. 493 - "'...I will kill you, cook you, and eat you. Right there on your lawn while all your neighbors watch.'" (less)
*Some spoilers ahead ACTUAL RATING: 4.5 - I'd rather be totally amazed than just love it, but either way, I was in between.
I have read the Mortal Instr...more*Some spoilers ahead ACTUAL RATING: 4.5 - I'd rather be totally amazed than just love it, but either way, I was in between.
I have read the Mortal Instruments Series, and loved it. Diving into Clockwork Angel, I honestly was not expecting much, since I already read TMI. I thought it would have the same plot and everything, and only people who have not read TMI would truly appreciate it. Boy, was I wrong. At first, with the whole Will and Tessa thing going on, I thought it would be similar to Clary and Jace. A Forbidden love. Blazing through the CA, wondering when a romance would spark. To my guilty relief, it didn't happen. Sure, there's some kissing involve, but not a total "I love you" kind of thing. In the end, they do love each other, but they seemed...lost? about it. I love the whole concept of the clockwork automatons. When the actual clockwork angel was introduced, I believed the story would be centralized around the necklace, but there was more to it than that. I felt that the story took a little long to read, and I was making as much time for it as I can. It sure started very early, Tessa being captured in the very beginning of the book. In a way, I loved CA more than TMI, and disliked it more than TMI. There are all these different elements laced into the book, and I'm relieved about that - it's not at all similar to TMI. I mean, yeah, Shadowhunters, warlocks, and the Downworlder ideas were there, but the plot was so different. I expected some sort of betrayal from Jem, but he was faithful throughout. I WAS MIND BLOWN WHEN THE MAGISTER WAS MORTMAIN INSTEAD OF DE QUINCY. It all seemed to fit so well, with de Quincy being posed as the Magister when Mortmain was the actual person. I loved how Clare wrote it, and got her readers to believe it, then the twist came at us like nothing we have ever expected. It was amazing. It entertained me to see Will, a main character, to be a totally insensitive, confusing, and wavering person (emotion wise) as he is. He was a total jerk, but it sparked some amusement in the story. I love Tessa's character altogether, and her willingness to stand up for herself. Because of the time era, I thought the females, Charlotte and Tessa, truly stood for feminism. Jem himself was captivating. My favorite character by far. His history and the way he lives his life is aspiring. What I didn't like was how all of a sudden, all the characters, being in different places anyway, found out who the real Magister was. Major coincidence, I felt it would be more interesting if there was a minor misunderstanding on Will and Jem's part when they visited the remaining Dark Sister. Anyway. I loved the book, and would be more than happy to re read it. Amazing!(less)
Wow. Wow. Wow. ACTUAL RATING: 10. If it were possible. *Spoilers begin at second paragraph
I would have finished this book overnight if I could. I lov...moreWow. Wow. Wow. ACTUAL RATING: 10. If it were possible. *Spoilers begin at second paragraph
I would have finished this book overnight if I could. I loved how detailed the events were and all the places the characters went. It wasn't drawn out at all. If anything, the events added suspense all the way to the end. Just when I thought a situation was the main conflict, BAM! another part hits me harder than the first. The book caught me off guard all the way until the end. I honestly thought that this book would be another one of those fantasy books that are all the same, but City of Bones puts a new edge to the genre. I was most shocked when I found out the family relations Jace, Clary and Valentine had. I totally wasn't expecting it. I loved Clary as a main character. She was her own person, and never really listened to anything she was told, which made me respect her more. Her mind was her own mind, and she doesn't want anyone telling her what to do. Prime example was when she was in the same room with Luke, Jace, and Valentine and Valentine was ready to kill Luke. Even though Jace told her to stay put, she went out there anyway and risked her life to save Luke's. I know that she loves him, but her love for Luke was stronger than her fear of death and her fear for her father. I have so many things to say for this book, but I can't even put it into words. Ahhhh! x3(less)
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