Search
Search results
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Stone Circle (Ruth Galloway, #11) in Books
Jun 21, 2019
When DCI Nelson receives the letter, he's immediately transported back to twenty years ago, when young Lucy Downey went missing and the first letters began. Then, to ten years later, when they found the bones in the Saltmarsh. It was then that Ruth first came in to Nelson's life, when she was called to examine the bones. While the bones weren't related to Lucy, she also took a look at the letters. And, of course, became entwined in Nelson's life. During that time, another child died, and the killer drowned on the marshes. The letter writer, Erik Anderssen, Ruth's mentor, also died that night too. Now, Ruth is assisting with a new dig in the Saltmarsh in a stone circle--one with ties to Erik. While digging, they find recent bones believed to belong to Margaret Lacey, who went missing in 1981 at the age of twelve. As the the investigation into Margaret's case begins, it looks like it has ties to Nelson's earlier cases--the letters, the bones, the missing kids, and more. But that killer is dead--right?
"'He's back,' says Clough. 'Bollocks,' says Nelson. 'He's dead.'"
The wonderful Elly Griffiths brings us back to her first Ruth Galloway book, The Crossing Places in this, her eleventh Ruth story. Yet, the tale feels as fresh and intriguing as ever. I just love the Ruth Galloway series--the tone of these books is unlike almost any other. Ruth seems real to me by now, like an old friend, and don't even get me started on Nelson, our beloved, sarcastic, DCI. Griffiths has an amazing ability to characterize Ruth and Nelson (and the whole crew) and capture their own distinct voices. Her books are at turns funny, familiar, and sometimes heartbreaking as Ruth and Nelson try to navigate their own relationship--and the other relationships that may or may not keep them apart. Michelle, Nelson's wife, has her baby in this one (cliffhanger resolved), and there is progress made on other personal fronts as well.
It almost seems like icing on the cake that we are treated to an enjoyable mystery along with our lovely characters and just overall familiarity. I found the case in this one to be engrossing, especially with the ties back to the earlier book. (I highly recommend reading this series from the beginning--it's the best way to catch all the little nuances and bits of humor, but the book will stand alone.) Margaret's disappearance is interesting--and her story brings a whole new cast of characters, several of whom entwine with our usual suspects.
All in all, as always, another winner from Griffiths. I could read her books constantly, and I love Ruth and Nelson (and Kate, Ruth's seven-year-old) so dearly! They truly seem real to me. If you've been reading this series from book #1, you'll enjoy the usual humor (oh Nelson) and returning to our cast of characters. If you like a good mystery (with some archaeological flavor sprinkled in), you won't be disappointed either. 4.5 stars.
"'He's back,' says Clough. 'Bollocks,' says Nelson. 'He's dead.'"
The wonderful Elly Griffiths brings us back to her first Ruth Galloway book, The Crossing Places in this, her eleventh Ruth story. Yet, the tale feels as fresh and intriguing as ever. I just love the Ruth Galloway series--the tone of these books is unlike almost any other. Ruth seems real to me by now, like an old friend, and don't even get me started on Nelson, our beloved, sarcastic, DCI. Griffiths has an amazing ability to characterize Ruth and Nelson (and the whole crew) and capture their own distinct voices. Her books are at turns funny, familiar, and sometimes heartbreaking as Ruth and Nelson try to navigate their own relationship--and the other relationships that may or may not keep them apart. Michelle, Nelson's wife, has her baby in this one (cliffhanger resolved), and there is progress made on other personal fronts as well.
It almost seems like icing on the cake that we are treated to an enjoyable mystery along with our lovely characters and just overall familiarity. I found the case in this one to be engrossing, especially with the ties back to the earlier book. (I highly recommend reading this series from the beginning--it's the best way to catch all the little nuances and bits of humor, but the book will stand alone.) Margaret's disappearance is interesting--and her story brings a whole new cast of characters, several of whom entwine with our usual suspects.
All in all, as always, another winner from Griffiths. I could read her books constantly, and I love Ruth and Nelson (and Kate, Ruth's seven-year-old) so dearly! They truly seem real to me. If you've been reading this series from book #1, you'll enjoy the usual humor (oh Nelson) and returning to our cast of characters. If you like a good mystery (with some archaeological flavor sprinkled in), you won't be disappointed either. 4.5 stars.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Siege and Storm in Books
Jan 23, 2020
I have completely mixed feelings about Leigh Bardugo's <i>Shadow and Bone trilogy.</i> So mixed, I was scared of reading <i>Siege and Storm</i>, despite the fact the librarian pretty much promised the entire series gets better by the book.
The second book in the <i>Grisha Trilogy</i> is certainly better than <i><a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-shadow-and-bone-by-leigh-bardugo/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shadow and Bone</a></i> – whereas Alina Starkov (aka Sun Summoner) was overly mopey for a good part of the first book (to the point where I started calling her Mopey), Alina is less mopey this time around. A fantastic turnaround, because I don't think I can handle Starkov being mopey for two books. Instead, our fabulous Sun Summoner "Saint" is a little more... overconfident. Spunky (but that's what I've always like about Alina). And definitely in control of the situation, even if it's not in her favor and there are unpleasant rumors about her floating among the Grisha and everyone else.
But even though Alina is in control of the situation for the most part, there's somehow not a love triangle, but a love <i>square</i> surrounding Saint Sun Summoner.
Boy #1 (Mal): My least favorite corner, Mal wasn't a terrible character back in <i>Shadow and Bone</i> – I actually liked Mal a little. I particularly liked his interactions and dialogue with Alina. In the sequel though... he turns into Adrian Ivashkov 1.0 (HOPEFULLY 1.0).
Boy #2 (Darkling): I shipped Alina and the Darkling back in book one... until the end. The Darkling doesn't grace us readers in <i>Siege and Storm</i> as much as he does in <i>Shadow and Bone,</i> but he's really just that one desperate dude with the way he constantly tells Alina that there's no else like them and that they "belong together."
Boy #3 (Nikolai): My third least favorite corner (aka my favorite corner), despite the fact Nikolai is probably going to end up as one of my favorite characters in the entire trilogy after I read <i>Ruin and Rising</i>. Nikolai's two things: arrogant and adorable. Arrogant because seeing as he's royalty, he'll obviously have a big head of sorts (but not too big). Adorable because of his conversations and dialogue with Alina – I pretty much ship them... even if Nikolai probably likes her for political purposes.
The world building, as it was in the first, is spectacular – Imperial Russia spectacularized into fantasy. The concept is phenomenal and a fantastic pitch – even though I have mixed feelings about the entire series altogether, the <i>Grisha Trilogy</i> definitely deserves the hype and praise.
The trilogy so far is essentially Alina running, getting caught, and running again (with attacks and whatnot in between) – if that's the case for the first and second book, I'm definitely scared of reading the last book now. It could go extremely ugly – down the rabbit hole – or extremely well – mind = blown.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-siege-and-storm-by-leigh-bardugo/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
The second book in the <i>Grisha Trilogy</i> is certainly better than <i><a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-shadow-and-bone-by-leigh-bardugo/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shadow and Bone</a></i> – whereas Alina Starkov (aka Sun Summoner) was overly mopey for a good part of the first book (to the point where I started calling her Mopey), Alina is less mopey this time around. A fantastic turnaround, because I don't think I can handle Starkov being mopey for two books. Instead, our fabulous Sun Summoner "Saint" is a little more... overconfident. Spunky (but that's what I've always like about Alina). And definitely in control of the situation, even if it's not in her favor and there are unpleasant rumors about her floating among the Grisha and everyone else.
But even though Alina is in control of the situation for the most part, there's somehow not a love triangle, but a love <i>square</i> surrounding Saint Sun Summoner.
Boy #1 (Mal): My least favorite corner, Mal wasn't a terrible character back in <i>Shadow and Bone</i> – I actually liked Mal a little. I particularly liked his interactions and dialogue with Alina. In the sequel though... he turns into Adrian Ivashkov 1.0 (HOPEFULLY 1.0).
Boy #2 (Darkling): I shipped Alina and the Darkling back in book one... until the end. The Darkling doesn't grace us readers in <i>Siege and Storm</i> as much as he does in <i>Shadow and Bone,</i> but he's really just that one desperate dude with the way he constantly tells Alina that there's no else like them and that they "belong together."
Boy #3 (Nikolai): My third least favorite corner (aka my favorite corner), despite the fact Nikolai is probably going to end up as one of my favorite characters in the entire trilogy after I read <i>Ruin and Rising</i>. Nikolai's two things: arrogant and adorable. Arrogant because seeing as he's royalty, he'll obviously have a big head of sorts (but not too big). Adorable because of his conversations and dialogue with Alina – I pretty much ship them... even if Nikolai probably likes her for political purposes.
The world building, as it was in the first, is spectacular – Imperial Russia spectacularized into fantasy. The concept is phenomenal and a fantastic pitch – even though I have mixed feelings about the entire series altogether, the <i>Grisha Trilogy</i> definitely deserves the hype and praise.
The trilogy so far is essentially Alina running, getting caught, and running again (with attacks and whatnot in between) – if that's the case for the first and second book, I'm definitely scared of reading the last book now. It could go extremely ugly – down the rabbit hole – or extremely well – mind = blown.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-siege-and-storm-by-leigh-bardugo/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Weather Radar + Forecast
Weather and Utilities
5.0
Rate It
App
Your #1 source for accurate weather and local alerts. Displayed with easy-to-use navigation and...
The Comeback Kid by John Mulaney
7.0
Rate It
Album
John Mulaney is an American comedian, writer, and actor best known for his standup specials and work...
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Genuine Fraud in Books
May 10, 2018
***3.5 Stars***
Jule and Imogen are both orphans. But their lives couldn't have ended up more different. Imogen was adopted into a wealthy family at a young age and Jule was sent to live with an aunt. Though they were raised differently, it's this one similarity that draws them to one another. There is just one problem, Jule is look for someone to love and love her in return and once she has latched on to Imogen she will stop at nothing to get it. And Imogen, drops the person as soon as she finds the love she is looking for. How will this work out for this pair.
So this book was confusingly good! I gave it 3.5 stars because even though the story kept me interested it was also very confusing. First of all, it starts with chapter 18 and the story is told in reverse chronological order. Then it ends with chapter 19. Every character in this book is absolutely crazy, which isn't a bad thing, but at the end I was still confused.
Jule is a good listener, and that skill alone allows her to make her way into other people's lives without them even realizing she wasn't there from the beginning. She has a great memory and can remember numbers, dates and details perfectly. She has also been trained to use these skills to her advantage. This along with the training she received to be an expert fighter, she can go very far in life as long as she isn't caught.
Imogen is spoiled. She doesn't know what she wants to do with her life, but she is happy to travel around the world and spend her money until she finds out. Surrounded by friends all the time, she finds it hard to find herself and when she get tired or bored, she just moves on from those people and places to something new.
Jule and Imogen have a unique friendship. They are old school friends, right? They were so close. But what will happen when Imogen is tired of Jule? Will she dump her like the rest? Like I said before I was so confused by the end of this book. I wasn't sure which was truth and what was <u> Genuine Fraud</u>.
Jule and Imogen are both orphans. But their lives couldn't have ended up more different. Imogen was adopted into a wealthy family at a young age and Jule was sent to live with an aunt. Though they were raised differently, it's this one similarity that draws them to one another. There is just one problem, Jule is look for someone to love and love her in return and once she has latched on to Imogen she will stop at nothing to get it. And Imogen, drops the person as soon as she finds the love she is looking for. How will this work out for this pair.
So this book was confusingly good! I gave it 3.5 stars because even though the story kept me interested it was also very confusing. First of all, it starts with chapter 18 and the story is told in reverse chronological order. Then it ends with chapter 19. Every character in this book is absolutely crazy, which isn't a bad thing, but at the end I was still confused.
Jule is a good listener, and that skill alone allows her to make her way into other people's lives without them even realizing she wasn't there from the beginning. She has a great memory and can remember numbers, dates and details perfectly. She has also been trained to use these skills to her advantage. This along with the training she received to be an expert fighter, she can go very far in life as long as she isn't caught.
Imogen is spoiled. She doesn't know what she wants to do with her life, but she is happy to travel around the world and spend her money until she finds out. Surrounded by friends all the time, she finds it hard to find herself and when she get tired or bored, she just moves on from those people and places to something new.
Jule and Imogen have a unique friendship. They are old school friends, right? They were so close. But what will happen when Imogen is tired of Jule? Will she dump her like the rest? Like I said before I was so confused by the end of this book. I wasn't sure which was truth and what was <u> Genuine Fraud</u>.
Debbiereadsbook (1110 KP) rated The Glasshouse (Lavender Shores #6) in Books
Apr 24, 2018
love love LOVE this series!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 6 in the series, but you don't need to have read there other books to follow this one. They can all be read as stand alones. But they are all 4 and 5 star reviews, from me!
I keep flipping from 4 to 5 stars and back to four again, and I have no idea why I keep crossing the numbers out at the top of the page, so gonna split the difference and call it 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for the blog!
A little bit more of an emotional read, this one. I felt for Harrison, I really did. I cried for him when he runs, first from Will then from Adrian. And cheered for him when he finds himself, after being someone else for everyone for so very long.
But equally, Adrian wrecks your heart too! While he fights for what he feels for Harrison in the beginning, then letting it all out and going all in, and when he was waiting for Harrison to come back to him. Oh Lord, the waiting was painful!
Harrison's brother Jasper plays a huge part here, and I think he should get a story too. Adrian's brother too, but to a lesser degree. He needs a happy ever after though, after such loss. OH!! Did I see that one being laid out?? Maybe not, we'll see!
But my overwhelming feeling (and ya'll know I'm all about sharing the feelings!) is that I want, no, I NEED the story of Adrian's uncles, Alex and Alan. Alex' diary was found in one of the couples (I forget which) house when they are remodeling. Adrian references Alex' diary here, and I so desperately want to hear their story. Although members of the Founding Families, they didn't have it as easy as the guys in Lavender Shores do now. I think THEIR story would be a welcome addition to this series.
As I read each one of these books, I find once I start, I cannot stop and I have read most of them in one sitting. They aren't short books, some 300 pages but everything just grinds to a halt when I start. So, please, keep them coming!
Ah stuff it!
5 full and shiny stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhe
This is book 6 in the series, but you don't need to have read there other books to follow this one. They can all be read as stand alones. But they are all 4 and 5 star reviews, from me!
I keep flipping from 4 to 5 stars and back to four again, and I have no idea why I keep crossing the numbers out at the top of the page, so gonna split the difference and call it 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for the blog!
A little bit more of an emotional read, this one. I felt for Harrison, I really did. I cried for him when he runs, first from Will then from Adrian. And cheered for him when he finds himself, after being someone else for everyone for so very long.
But equally, Adrian wrecks your heart too! While he fights for what he feels for Harrison in the beginning, then letting it all out and going all in, and when he was waiting for Harrison to come back to him. Oh Lord, the waiting was painful!
Harrison's brother Jasper plays a huge part here, and I think he should get a story too. Adrian's brother too, but to a lesser degree. He needs a happy ever after though, after such loss. OH!! Did I see that one being laid out?? Maybe not, we'll see!
But my overwhelming feeling (and ya'll know I'm all about sharing the feelings!) is that I want, no, I NEED the story of Adrian's uncles, Alex and Alan. Alex' diary was found in one of the couples (I forget which) house when they are remodeling. Adrian references Alex' diary here, and I so desperately want to hear their story. Although members of the Founding Families, they didn't have it as easy as the guys in Lavender Shores do now. I think THEIR story would be a welcome addition to this series.
As I read each one of these books, I find once I start, I cannot stop and I have read most of them in one sitting. They aren't short books, some 300 pages but everything just grinds to a halt when I start. So, please, keep them coming!
Ah stuff it!
5 full and shiny stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhe
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated A Hope Undaunted (Winds of Change, #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
*This review is from my blog and originally published in 2010*
Okay. Let me start this review with SHAME ON ME! Why? Because, sweet saints, I haven’t ever read a Julie Lessman novel until this one and I most definitely should have been reading her books already! She is absolutely FANTABULOUS! The power that Julie has over her readers when they open the first page is mind-blowingly INCREDIBLE!
In A Hope Undaunted, Julie combines tenderness and passion with wit and God’s love, to create a romance story set in the 1920’s that will carry you away and leave you utterly breathless. Katie O’Connor was such an amazing young woman….thinking she had her life all planned out for herself. That is until she encounters a very handsome “soda jerk” by the name of Luke. Luke “Cluny” McGee, the boy she hated as a child, has been chiseled into a stunningly remarkable character. (Julie, can you send him my way, please?!) So, that leaves Katie with a choice….to follow HER hopes and choices, or God’s hopes and choices for her life. A beautifully created plot line!
For years, I’ve collected The Queen of Christian Fiction, Karen Kingsbury’s books, including true crime novels she wrote prior to her Christian work, and the ones that are under her pen name, but after reading this breathtaking, passionate story of a hope undaunted and a love that’s pure, Julie Lessman has earned a spot on my favorite authors list at the very top, pushing Karen Kingsbury down one. It takes an absolutely fantastic author to do that because I’ve held Karen Kingsbury at the top of my list for years! I’m still in awe and savoring this unforgettable story and it’s characters!
So, what you waiting for?! Don’t be a ninny like myself , who waited TOO long to read her work. GO GET A COPY OF A HOPE UNDAUNTED RIGHT NOW! You will instantly fall in love with the people in this book as they crawl in and take over your heart. Worthy of 1,005 stars, this 5 star book is a MUST read for everyone! Thank you, Julie, for creating a story full of passion, history and a breathtaking plot….it’s what I was needing and looking for! Now, I anxiously await the release of book 2, A Heart Revealed, in the Winds of Change series!
Okay. Let me start this review with SHAME ON ME! Why? Because, sweet saints, I haven’t ever read a Julie Lessman novel until this one and I most definitely should have been reading her books already! She is absolutely FANTABULOUS! The power that Julie has over her readers when they open the first page is mind-blowingly INCREDIBLE!
In A Hope Undaunted, Julie combines tenderness and passion with wit and God’s love, to create a romance story set in the 1920’s that will carry you away and leave you utterly breathless. Katie O’Connor was such an amazing young woman….thinking she had her life all planned out for herself. That is until she encounters a very handsome “soda jerk” by the name of Luke. Luke “Cluny” McGee, the boy she hated as a child, has been chiseled into a stunningly remarkable character. (Julie, can you send him my way, please?!) So, that leaves Katie with a choice….to follow HER hopes and choices, or God’s hopes and choices for her life. A beautifully created plot line!
For years, I’ve collected The Queen of Christian Fiction, Karen Kingsbury’s books, including true crime novels she wrote prior to her Christian work, and the ones that are under her pen name, but after reading this breathtaking, passionate story of a hope undaunted and a love that’s pure, Julie Lessman has earned a spot on my favorite authors list at the very top, pushing Karen Kingsbury down one. It takes an absolutely fantastic author to do that because I’ve held Karen Kingsbury at the top of my list for years! I’m still in awe and savoring this unforgettable story and it’s characters!
So, what you waiting for?! Don’t be a ninny like myself , who waited TOO long to read her work. GO GET A COPY OF A HOPE UNDAUNTED RIGHT NOW! You will instantly fall in love with the people in this book as they crawl in and take over your heart. Worthy of 1,005 stars, this 5 star book is a MUST read for everyone! Thank you, Julie, for creating a story full of passion, history and a breathtaking plot….it’s what I was needing and looking for! Now, I anxiously await the release of book 2, A Heart Revealed, in the Winds of Change series!
Asiza Tait (139 KP) rated The Night Circus in Books
Feb 1, 2018
A truly entertaining magical piece of fantasy.
All of our readers enjoyed the beautiful descriptive writing of Erin. Some found the beginning a bit difficult to follow with the abrupt changes of time and scene, though others found the whole mystery of it all utterly engrossing.
Basically, there are two ancient magicians who set their two star pupils against each other to find out who is the best. The issues are that the pupils don't know the rules, or how the winner is declared. The competition arena, is the Night Circus.
There is a great deal that is left to the reader's imagination as not everything is completely explained, which only adds to the enigmas and magic entwined in everything. This is not an ordinary novel. We first get a full view of the almost playfulness of the magic and later the darker aspects of it are explored. How everyone involved in the circus whether directly or not is caught up in it and pays a price as well as benefits from it.
Walking through the circus is so beautifully written that it feels as if you are there, smelling the caramel popcorn and watching the white flames dancing. The joy of the circus permeates the pages, people who visit the circus leave it ever changed.
The love story between Marco and Celia is restrained, elegant and ultimately otherworldly in its strength and beauty. They 'write love letters' to each other through the different tents in the circus. The demonstrations of their affection to each other are so beautiful; so dazzling as to wish that everyone could find such love.
The competition though integral to the story becomes the hardest part to reconcile as the pages flip by and the costs mount up for the magic being used, the balancing that must be maintained. Some of these costs are very heavy, burdensome and even fatal. The darker side of the competition is shown in all it's sinister aspects and we are left waiting for the 'other shoe to drop' so to speak.
To show that this book is not for everyone, half of our readers adored this book and would absolutely recommend it as a must read, and the other half were not at all convinced, conceding only that the descriptive writing was excellent but the plot felt thin.
All of our readers enjoyed the beautiful descriptive writing of Erin. Some found the beginning a bit difficult to follow with the abrupt changes of time and scene, though others found the whole mystery of it all utterly engrossing.
Basically, there are two ancient magicians who set their two star pupils against each other to find out who is the best. The issues are that the pupils don't know the rules, or how the winner is declared. The competition arena, is the Night Circus.
There is a great deal that is left to the reader's imagination as not everything is completely explained, which only adds to the enigmas and magic entwined in everything. This is not an ordinary novel. We first get a full view of the almost playfulness of the magic and later the darker aspects of it are explored. How everyone involved in the circus whether directly or not is caught up in it and pays a price as well as benefits from it.
Walking through the circus is so beautifully written that it feels as if you are there, smelling the caramel popcorn and watching the white flames dancing. The joy of the circus permeates the pages, people who visit the circus leave it ever changed.
The love story between Marco and Celia is restrained, elegant and ultimately otherworldly in its strength and beauty. They 'write love letters' to each other through the different tents in the circus. The demonstrations of their affection to each other are so beautiful; so dazzling as to wish that everyone could find such love.
The competition though integral to the story becomes the hardest part to reconcile as the pages flip by and the costs mount up for the magic being used, the balancing that must be maintained. Some of these costs are very heavy, burdensome and even fatal. The darker side of the competition is shown in all it's sinister aspects and we are left waiting for the 'other shoe to drop' so to speak.
To show that this book is not for everyone, half of our readers adored this book and would absolutely recommend it as a must read, and the other half were not at all convinced, conceding only that the descriptive writing was excellent but the plot felt thin.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Raven King in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I am actually giving this a 4.5-5 Star review.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. I have loved and lost characters and little bits of my heart and soul because of it.
This series, but specifically this book, is just so beautifully written. Every moment is circular in the end. Each character is written with so much care, affection, and love that it breaks my heart.
Maggie Stiefvater is a poet as well as an author. There were so many passages in this book that I underlined as being so beautiful. I cried a lot because of the writing style, in a good way.
Many of the event in this book had been foretold in the previous books, which I thought was cool. Even though we knew what was going to happen, we didn't exactly know how it would happen, so that was surprising and a lot of fun.
Henry Cheng was a surprising character to say the least. I didn't know how I felt about him at first, but he started to grow on me. (As Ronan would probably say, "like a fungus" because he's a smartass like that.)
***THE REST OF THIS WILL HAVE SPOILERS IN IT SO BE WARNED***
I loved how my ships were resolved in the end. I didn't want anyone to be hurt or to be alone, and they weren't. Blue and Gansey are just so freaking cute together because they are so opposite! And Ronan and Adam are just hilarious in their interactions. They just seem so angry at each other so often.
I was really sad, but also understanding, of how Noah had to move on. I just thought he was so sweet, but it was his time.
Also, the whole mess with Glendower himself was not easily predictable at all, at least for me. I did not see that one coming. Their whole quest was for not, but they ended up better for it anyway.
Orphan Girl is also so adorable. I love how much like Ronan she is, especially in her temper.
Cabeswater being from Ronan, that was a twist. Also, loved how he is going to dream another one!!
I just love this book so much and even though I know it has to end, I don't want it to.
Sorry if this got a bit rambly and weird, I just have so many emotions about this book!!
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. I have loved and lost characters and little bits of my heart and soul because of it.
This series, but specifically this book, is just so beautifully written. Every moment is circular in the end. Each character is written with so much care, affection, and love that it breaks my heart.
Maggie Stiefvater is a poet as well as an author. There were so many passages in this book that I underlined as being so beautiful. I cried a lot because of the writing style, in a good way.
Many of the event in this book had been foretold in the previous books, which I thought was cool. Even though we knew what was going to happen, we didn't exactly know how it would happen, so that was surprising and a lot of fun.
Henry Cheng was a surprising character to say the least. I didn't know how I felt about him at first, but he started to grow on me. (As Ronan would probably say, "like a fungus" because he's a smartass like that.)
***THE REST OF THIS WILL HAVE SPOILERS IN IT SO BE WARNED***
I loved how my ships were resolved in the end. I didn't want anyone to be hurt or to be alone, and they weren't. Blue and Gansey are just so freaking cute together because they are so opposite! And Ronan and Adam are just hilarious in their interactions. They just seem so angry at each other so often.
I was really sad, but also understanding, of how Noah had to move on. I just thought he was so sweet, but it was his time.
Also, the whole mess with Glendower himself was not easily predictable at all, at least for me. I did not see that one coming. Their whole quest was for not, but they ended up better for it anyway.
Orphan Girl is also so adorable. I love how much like Ronan she is, especially in her temper.
Cabeswater being from Ronan, that was a twist. Also, loved how he is going to dream another one!!
I just love this book so much and even though I know it has to end, I don't want it to.
Sorry if this got a bit rambly and weird, I just have so many emotions about this book!!
Kayleigh (12 KP) rated The Mortal Instruments 1: City of Bones in Books
Jan 2, 2019
I’ve seen several blog posts recommending this book – it seemed to me to be one of the ‘staples’ of YA fiction. Enough so that it has been made into a film, which will be released on 23rd August.
I’d say this book was a bit of a slow-burner. I was enjoying it, but I wasn’t whipping through the pages as much as I would usually – until the end, anyway. At the moment, I’m hating how much YA stuff depends on a romance, and I think I was a little wary that this is what City of Bones would be all about. Clary (short for Clarissa – knowing that helped me pronounce her name) has two love interests – her best friend, Simon, who is in love with her; and Jace, the new boy she meets. As this blogger here writes (which I agree with), the love interests are fairly stereotypical and underdeveloped. With this much ‘choice’, I thought it was fairly inevitable that the book would sink into romantic fantasy, which would not have impressed me. It was about two-thirds in, then, when the ‘twist’ starts to unfold (no spoilers!), that I was able to start properly enjoying it and let myself be taken along for the ride.
Not all the characters were developed fully (as I mentioned before), so I did find myself not caring when certain people were hurt (namely, Alec). Then there were some elements that weren’t fully explained. A good example is when Jace mysteriously knows it’s Clary’s birthday, although I’m pretty sure she never told him and nobody else, even Simon, refers to it.
However, the plot moved at a good pace and I was blown away by the numerous twists at the end, only one or two of which I was expecting. I was fully immersed into the world the characters moved in, and had great fun reading about their adventures along the way. I’ll definitely be reading the next books in the series, and may even treat myself to see the film, considering it’s out a few days before my birthday!
Speaking of the film, I’ve just watched the trailer for the first time, and I’m not sure. While I can see that she’s supposed to be seeing unusual things, Clary’s mouth seems to be wide open for the whole time! It does look action-packed though – what do you think?
I’d say this book was a bit of a slow-burner. I was enjoying it, but I wasn’t whipping through the pages as much as I would usually – until the end, anyway. At the moment, I’m hating how much YA stuff depends on a romance, and I think I was a little wary that this is what City of Bones would be all about. Clary (short for Clarissa – knowing that helped me pronounce her name) has two love interests – her best friend, Simon, who is in love with her; and Jace, the new boy she meets. As this blogger here writes (which I agree with), the love interests are fairly stereotypical and underdeveloped. With this much ‘choice’, I thought it was fairly inevitable that the book would sink into romantic fantasy, which would not have impressed me. It was about two-thirds in, then, when the ‘twist’ starts to unfold (no spoilers!), that I was able to start properly enjoying it and let myself be taken along for the ride.
Not all the characters were developed fully (as I mentioned before), so I did find myself not caring when certain people were hurt (namely, Alec). Then there were some elements that weren’t fully explained. A good example is when Jace mysteriously knows it’s Clary’s birthday, although I’m pretty sure she never told him and nobody else, even Simon, refers to it.
However, the plot moved at a good pace and I was blown away by the numerous twists at the end, only one or two of which I was expecting. I was fully immersed into the world the characters moved in, and had great fun reading about their adventures along the way. I’ll definitely be reading the next books in the series, and may even treat myself to see the film, considering it’s out a few days before my birthday!
Speaking of the film, I’ve just watched the trailer for the first time, and I’m not sure. While I can see that she’s supposed to be seeing unusual things, Clary’s mouth seems to be wide open for the whole time! It does look action-packed though – what do you think?