Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, Robin Wasserman

“People could bear so much, but Simon did not know how much of the original you was left when the world had twisted you into a whole different shape.”

Cannot fathom the reason why I’ve delayed reading this book (or stories) for so long. I guess I was done with this story when they cancelled shooting the second film. But the new TV series came along and bam I’m here, talking about the adventures of Simon Lewis in Shadowhunter Academy with all my passion.

The story continues after The City of Heavenly Fire. Simon couldn’t bare all the pressure and expectations from his friends (because demon amnesia sucks, you know) and decides to go to the Academy to become a Shadowhunter and be that hero again, bring his life back. Throughout these two years he grows into a completely different man, questions his place in Shadow world, his relationships and feelings to people him barely remembers. Little by little he restores Sizzy into a whole new level which I enjoyed. There were tragedies and sad moments, but, I guess, it was essential to the plot (I mean, Simon Lovelace has a nice ring to it).

Some stories I enjoyed more than the others. Like those with TID characters or Max Lightwood-Bane (Oh my Malec! <3). It was lovely reading and witnessing this Shadow world through the eyes of Simon – once mundane, than Downwolder and mundane again. I think, most of readers could relate to him in ways he sees injustices of Shadownunters breed towards mundanes, Downwolders and fellow Shadowhunters.

 This book is a total must-read before Lady Midnight.

Shadowhunters. Sizzy & Saphael

This post is basically about two unreal pairings since on series there’s no Saphael and no Sizzy (yet). But since actors were such good match for their roles it took zero efforts for fandom to start this insanely cute ships.

I'm pure at heart. It repels the dirt.

Let me just fangirl for a moment about Isabelle coming straight from heaven books into life! Like, Emeraude is so perfect Isabelle, she is exactly the way I imagined her it’s surreal. I like all the little changes with Izzy since she rocks both in books and series. She is passionate about everything surrounds her. About shadowhunting, about her brother and her lover Meliorn though there’s no love between the two of them. Throughout the season Izzy grows up in so many ways as a personality she is almost ready for her big love. And we can’t wait any longer!

Alberto plays Simon so good I sometimes forget he is not actually Simon. The scene on graveyard made me ugly cry for hours. It was such an important scene for Simon as a character and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Alberto delivered ir very good. Internal sigh for that sad storyline with his crush on Clary. God (Raziel?) bless Alec got rid of his crush on Jace soon enough. I hope it wouldn’t take long for Simon either.

I didn’t imagine Raphael exactly like this but David is kinda works for me. He understood Raphael and played him good so far. Plus his incredible chemistry with Simon (well hello Saphael) makes difficult to take sides (Sizzy or Saphael that is the question). Since both Isabelle and Raphael are so hot it ridiculous that nerdy Simon even has to be involved (not that Simon isn’t hot, don’t get me wrong). All of them ship very well one way or another so anyways works for me. Remembering Raphael god-awful destiny I do hope in series that will do some changes. But that is not in the cards in nearest future, I suppose.
Me is happy.

Shadowhunters. Malec

“Iz,” Alec said tiredly. “It’s not like it’s one big bad thing. It’s a lot of little invisible things. When Magnus and I were traveling, and I’d call from the road, Dad never asked how he was. When I get up to talk in Clave meetings, no one listens, and I don’t know if that’s because I’m young or if it’s because of something else. I saw Mom talking to a friend about her grandchildren and the second I walked into the room they shut up. Irina Cartwright told me it was a pity no one would ever inherit my blue eyes now.” He shrugged and looked toward Magnus, who took a hand off the wheel for a moment to place it on Alec’s. “It’s not like a stab wound  you can protect me from. It’s a million little paper cuts every day.”"

I nearly lost my mind because of excitement about all things Malec. Like, for years (!) they’ve existed only in my head, then in 10 seconds in the movie and since the second film has been cancelled I thought it was it. So God bless it was cancelled for we’ve got such amazing series.

Malec is a word that stands for Magnus (Bane) and Alec (Lightwood). In the books they were the real treasure for me, my ray of light (for Sizzy being only in incipience and Clace being plain dull). I like how they changed things in TV series. Magnus deserved better than being Alec’s dirty little secret. Or shifting emphasis from homophobic Lightwoods (parents) to racist – brilliant move, actually. 

 It’s a shame we have so little of these two in books. Their story is amazing; the relationship of two so different people attracts readers and fans. On the example of their relationship I learnt, that your soulmate will always see you through all the layers you or society put on yourself. That love can conquer anything. That love is caring about someone’s happiness as your higher priority. That true love cannot die.

Obstacles on their way aren’t as simple as other couples face And that makes them more interesting and intriguing. Some may say that they are popular because they are gay or something like that. Cannot agree. Actually, I can’t fathom how orientation has anything to do with all the ordeals or problems they face.

Their story is about finding your true self. And is about creating yourself. It was showed brilliantly on the screen, each change has been done just fine. I can hardly wait for the continuation of this story.  

"A very magnanimous statement, Gideon,” said Magnus.“I’m Gabriel.” Magnus waved a hand. “All Lightwoods look the same to me-"

Shadowhunters. Clace

At last, we got our beloved series on the screens again. All fresh and new, with whole new cast. For so long we’ve got no hope in that so for what it’s worth let’s enjoy what we have and be grateful for any opportunity to witness our favorite characters come to life. 

Yes, it’s not quite an adaptation. It doesn’t follow every line from book. But there are main events from books and there’s TMI spirit which is the most important for me. I’m okay with the changes. Most of them were for the better. Or maybe I was just desperate to watch favorite characters came to life. Who knows?

Clace

“You're pining," said Jace.

Alec shrugged. "Look who's talking. 'Oh I love her. Oh, she's my sister. Oh why, why, why—”

The main ship of all ships in this story doesn’t feel like that at all. Their story is quite rushed or it just feels that way.

 In this story all characters are older. Clary uses makeup and wears heels. She adjusts to her new Shadowhunter life and the whole thing too quickly in my opinion. Jace is looking a little bit strange to me. It seems that he is senseless soldier but he is ready to ugly cry at any moment. He is certainly a Jon Snow of this show – doesn’t know about Alec’s feelings for him, cannot see Malec interaction etc. When he found out about his parabatai feelings he tried to smooth the effect so Alec wouldn’t feel uncomfortable or hurt. Jace really cares about people who are like family to him. It’s the feature he shares with Clary. It’s a shame, that his  musician side of personality wasn’t represented.


 Although their chemistry as a couple is quite strange at the beginning they managed to work things out till the end of season. So you actually believe their kisses and stares. It’s understandable, that Jace is hugely affected by Daddy issues and he basically loses it in the season finale. Everything was well-played by Dominic.

 

All in all, I like how Dom and Kat represented Clace. Kat is awesome Clary, visually at least. Looks like exactly the book Clary. This variant has its right to exist. I like what they did with The Kiss. I mean, it was really beautiful both in books and movie. But this Clary is 18 yo, she is a modern young woman and has no time to waste. She sees the man she wants grabs him and kisses. You go girl. It felt right to me.

Maybe it’s just that I don’t like this ship initially. Too boring for my taste. Cannot wait for all the drama and Climon in season 2.

The Land of Stories 2: The Enchantress Returns

What a controversial world we live in now! So many things happen at the same time you aren’t sure what do you think and then boom - another bunch of things happen. But there’s one thing I will always be sure about – Mr. Christopher Paul Colfer never cease to amaze me.

New sight on fairytales? Huh. Been there, done that. You are 23, got MA in English and literature and think you can’t possibly be surprised what could come of good old fairytales. Meh. That’s not how TLOS series works. For this series, my friend, will take you on the adventurous road through your childhood. And guess what – you would love it.

Not only this book is full of different familiar characters, it is filled with precious pieces of advice this characters give. That was a really good move. I’m sure any kid or teen would soak up all the good out of this book and remember cause you know that age when Goldilocks or Cinderella are the most important figures. Not to mention that all the familiar faces are shown from the different angles this makes it interesting for adults. And I don’t speak about myself ‘cause I love fairytales at all ages and will do forever.  

But as we are sitting here nicely drinking tea, speaking of Cinderella and stuff let’s move to the obvious interest of all – Mother freaking Goose. I mean like what the hell of a woman! Don’t even start, don’t even go there ‘cause I can go for hours like that. This cannot be expressed. Just read it yourself.

on the pic - Mother Goose (as well as The Goose Flu, O.M.G. (Old Mother Goose), Mother Mayhem) and Lester, her goose)

I’m thrilled to read the next book, so thrilled! Thank you thank you thank you TLOS: The Enchantress Returns you restored my lost love for reading (well I’ve lost it because of Shantaram, but I WILL finish it ugh someday). 

Never Trust A Duck or Steampunk Strikes Back

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

This is a book about an ordinary girl who founds out that she is far from ordinary. Along with that she discovers the whole new world of monsters and men – friends or foes. If wouldn’t have been a story without a romantic hero, but here the girl has even two of them. Sounds familiar? But not everything is so cliché. Cassandra Clare creates very atmospheric and cosy world of Victorian London from which you won’t be able tear yourself away.

The first thing that will catch your eye is that there is a great number of different allusions, quotes and epigraphs from classical literature. Well for some readers this moment can be really tough and boring, but all the quotes are suitable and understandable.

The second is that somehow the plot of this book reminds you of The Mortal Instruments, but it’s only temporary believe me. Plots are different.

Somehow Victorian London carries away with its atmosphere, fogs and rains, dark lanes and cosy parks and whole Down World. Here you will meet an old friend – Magnus Bane (one of my favorite Clare’s characters btw). Here he’s younger for like more than 100 years than in The Mortal Instruments. And he really IS younger; we see what situations form his character and bring him his well-known wisdom.

Main character Theresa Gray loves books and her brother Nate. But suddenly she discovers a whole new world with vampires and werewolves, warlocks and fairies and she herself is a warlock. Firstly she takes all this new information not very good but then she gets a grip on herself and sets her priorities right understanding who her real family is.

Switching to main male characters you will not be surprised. Here we have two extremely opposite and incredibly handsome young men. Will Herondale is like a really spoiled version of Jace (not a big surprise as they are relatives), but I believe that he has completely different story. James Carstairs is his exact opposite – kind, intelligent, very sad and cureless ill. I feel there will be love triangle. 

The book is wonderful. I recommend it to each and every fan of Cassandra Clare’s talent. Many of you would enjoy this splendid fantasy story flavored with nice portion of steampunk.  

P.S. In case you wonder about the title...

“Remember when you tried to convince me to feed a poultry pie to the mallards in the park to see if you could breed a race of cannibal ducks?" 
"They ate it too," Will reminisced. "Bloodthirsty little beasts. Never trust a duck.” 

With Fire and Blood

In this post I will discuss 2 short stories written by George R.R. Martin – The Princess and The Queen and The Rogue Prince. These short stories give us better insight into Targaryens kitchen – how they ruled and how they loved, how they danced with the dragons and let the whole cities on fire. These stories could be very interesting for any GoT and ASOIAF fan.

Frankly these are a little bit boring comparing to the previous books writing style. That’s because the narrator is maester and his narration is dry, the facts only. But this isn’t a minus though.

Comparing to other families Targaryens appear to be quite crazy. Or angry. Or lusting for power. Anyways they’ve started really destroying wars to fight for the throne which already belonged to their family.

The Princess and The Queen shows us a Dance With Dragons – a war between princess Rhaenyra and her brother prince Aegon II. The Princess is Rhaenyra and The Queen is Aegon’s mother Alicent who decided to make her son a king despite the will of her husband (he wanted to see Rhaenyra on the throne). In this story we also meet Daemon Targaryen – an uncle and a husband of Rhaenyra who is also a main character in The Rogue Prince.

Targaryens A Dance With Dragons was a bloody war, people died from swords and fire, dragons died fighting each other. Relatives killed each other, children died, intrigues were carried on and all of that was because Targaryens decided to take what is theirs by fire and blood.

Personally I think this would be interesting to read, especially if you are fond of ASOIAF. I liked it less than the main series but it still is awesome.

ASOIAF by George R.R.Martin

When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.














This is by far my most enjoyable post ‘cause A Song of Ice and Fire series has become for me a real windfall. Martin’s books are dope! I had tons of very pleasant reading evening and I remember those times with the sweetest nostalgia.

It is hard to decide what to begin with but I begin with how I discovered the series. As many of us I discovered it through the TV series Game of Thrones. Firstly I really liked the story, but the scenes of violence were too hard for me so I stopped watching since ep2s1. But then I decided to pluck up my courage and continue watching. And I’m really happy I did it. Thanks to my stubbornness I’ve got the whole new magical world. Not Middle-earth, Harry Potter world or Neverland but still it has its interesting sides. 

I should pay tribute to the writing style. Martin’s word cuts deeper than swords. He shows that this game is real, we are terrified to turn the page. His characters are real – here they are, alive, breathing, on the pages, you just need to touch. He uses words for different styles correctly. It’s seems so easy for him to change from thoughts of 11yo girl about dresses and knights to depressing thoughts of a dwarf or heroic bastard’s thoughts. You can easily guess whose exactly chapter you are reading. Sansa always has a second to think about the right accessories for her dress even in the hardest of times. Whilst her sister Arya doesn’t waste a second oh that. The thoughts of death, danger and the opportunity to survive occupy her. Cersei thinks about her children half of the time. The other half of time she thinks about how great she is. Ned is always honorable – in thoughts as well as in deeds. Lannister brothers Tyrion and Jaime are both basically misunderstood. Frankly speaking, it would be interesting to read Taywin, Varys or Littlefinger thoughts. But it would ruin all the intrigue. 
Characters are constantly growing, showing us newest sides of them. You wouldn’t find in the series positive or negative characters. Only white or black. There are shades of grey in them as in real people.  There’s a sin behind each righteous man and misunderstanding behind each sinner. And it’s one of the things which make this series unique. 

In spite of all the realistic characters the plot itself is really twisted. You cannot predict its twists. You can find lots of forums where people discuss different thoughts and theories and it’s really fascinating. All the people have such different opinions and impressions. Many of them remember something you’ve missed and it’s interesting to return to the book and reread this place, rethink it. 

I can’t give less than 5/5 to these wonderful books. Of course, the last two are less dynamic, but it doesn’t make them worse. 

The Tales of Dunk and Egg part 2

This story is by far the most interesting for me among existing three. The plot line is intriguing. Egg and Dunks' friendship was shown to us with deeper insight. I generally like these characters. they are pleasant, kind and noble above all circumstances. Through the time they spent togwther they started to appreciate each other’s loyalty.

The story is called "The Mystery Knight", but to the very end we don't really see whom he was. Was that young rebellious Black Dragon or Glendon or Dunk himself? or all of them at the same time?

We’ve got a little insight into Targaryens’ family matters this time as well. that’s really thrilling to find out aboul all these events that for A Song of Ice and Fire characters are history. we meet a young but already bitter Walder Frey.

This reading is lighter and more amusing than Martin series "A Song of Ice and Fire". It is enjoyable, it is fun, it is rather light, with some shades of grey and black. I recommend it to you, GoT fans, Dunk and egg's fans, fantasy fans and simply human beings who wants to spent hour-two on nice reading.

The Tales of Dunk and Egg part 1

This is a review of two novellas by George R.R. Martin The Hedge Knight and The Sworn Sword which are from The Tales of Dunk and Egg series and are prequel to A Song of Ice and Fire.

The novellas take us to the times when Targaryens ruled. The possible purpose of writing these novels is to show the readers the world before the game of thrones began when the Targaryens were at the peak. All the information we receive from a standpoint of hedge knight – possibly nobody, unimportant person who travels and works from time to time on different master. These works perfectly fit into fantasy category showing us knights. tournaments and beautiful ladies in all their glory and feasibility at the same time. The readers will be totally caught up with the narration – you can hardly say that it wasn’t written by a young knight. The thoughts, the colors in which he sees everything, naivety – narration is just brilliant.In the novellas we can clearly see that the author intended to show – book is a book and life is a life. Good guys won’t fight bad guys just because you want so. Or princess will not marry the hedge knight – she simply can’t allow it to herself. These realistic moments may be that point, that target which drives people to buy Martin’s books.
Characters. As a main characters we’ve got Dunk – the hedge knight, and Egg – from Targaryens who decides to travel with Dunk for some time seeking adventures. Both treat each other very well, almost like friends. Although Dunk never forgets about the Egg’s origin. These character’s attitudes are shown very well through their actions. Dunk values Egg’s opinion above all and Egg shows a lot of dedication to serving his knight.Generally I like these novellas. They are not bad. And I’m interested in continuation. I’d recommend it to all The Game of Thrones series fans, A Song of Ice and Fire fans and people who simply like fantasy and short stories.