The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater Part 2

Depending on where you began this story, it was about love. The never-ending, changing feeling. Some characters were wealthy with it, some have never known. But one way or another, love is capable of moving mountains. And bringing your friends from the dead.

Blue Sargent wasn’t my favourite, I don’t really like bad-tempered female characters, especially when their breakdowns are completely undeserved by others. But she was a nice protagonist. That is all.

I feel like Gansey was created for reader’s love. He is such hype, geez. He is a nice character to follow. Smart, kind, handsome, with a heart of gold. He deserved that amount of love he received. 

Adam and Ronan are more complicated characters. They’ve gone through enormous changes during this series.

I remember I thought Ronan was this edgy, suicidal type who will get lots of troubles to the group. And Adam was so bitter all the time it was difficult to remember that he was actually broken. We can totally see that they changed when the story ended.

Changed, but not really. More of became their true selves, I guess. Ronan is sweet and loving deep inside him. He has grown with unconditional love in his family. It was really easy for him to end up with edgy and dangerous Kavinsky. But Ronan falls for a tender boy, created his Chainsaw sweet and loving so as his Orphan Girl.

Adam, on the contrary, makes his very first step into the land of love. He is serious about it. He hadn’t anybody to love him in his life. Growing up with an abusive father and careless mother, he is an ideal example of a self-made man. He was the most relatable character for me so I’m quite satisfied with his happy ending.

What I liked about the Raven Cycle is that it is complete on all angles and areas of plot. It’s like the author created this complicated world and each book is very connected. You can find hints about everything that happens in the end even in the first book (and I’m not talking about Gansey’s death obviously).

I enjoyed reading it. Hope you will too. 

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater Part 1

I was so hooked that I couldn’t function until I’m done with the whole series. Obviously, I couldn’t be bothered with writing a review for each book. And to do so now would be hypocrisy. Therefore, there it is – a review of the whole Raven Cycle which includes four books (The Raven Boys; The Dream Thieves; Blue Lily, Lily Blue; The Raven King). This review will have 2 parts which are non-spoilery and very much spoilery. So if you haven’t read the whole series you can read this spoiler-free review and decide whether or not you are interested.

So, this is a story of a bunch of teens that are on the quest to find and wake Welsh King Glendower. There are lots of true love, friendship and bravery and other things you’ll find when you read. You don’t need me to tell about everything you can read on the cover.

What cover doesn’t contain is the number of times you’ll feel completely heartbroken and enormously happy for the characters. All the beautiful pieces that will make them your friends. Because this is a love story. This is a story of friendship. An adventurous quest with loads of supernatural stuff. And this is a road trip novel. But mostly, this is just a beautifully written love letter to Virginia.

Now go, grab books and read them and then return to the part 2 of this review. See you on the other side.

 

“You missed World Hist." 

"Did you get notes for me?" 

"No. I thought you were dead in a ditch.” 

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.

Demon pox, oh demon pox

“Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read.” 

I haven’t cried like this for years. This story touched me deep. It is by far very different from The Mortal Instrument series. I can’t say what is better what is worse, they’re just different. But The Infernal Devices would really move you.I lost counting on how many times Tessa freaked me out, buy myself I’m more like her than Clary. I used to think eternal life is a gift. After reading A Clockwork Princess I understood it was a burden. I didn’t understand why it was so hard for Magnus to fall in love with Alec and to start serious relationships. But now I see. It is not only hard because you are lonely or because you see everyone you’ve ever loved dying. Forgetting is terrifying. After all the pain of loss your memory can give you up and you just forget. You would forget the color of eyes, favorite book or catchphrase hope Tessa’s life would be more bright even when Jem would leave her.

“We live and breathe words. .... It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them. Reading your words, what you wrote, how you were lonely sometimes and afraid, but always brave; the way you saw the world, its colors and textures and sounds, I felt--I felt the way you thought, hoped, felt, dreamt. I felt I was dreaming and thinking and feeling with you. I dreamed what you dreamed, wanted what you wanted--and then I realized that truly I just wanted you.” 

Parabatai – phenomenon which Clarissa Clare imagined and wrote into her stories keeps surprising me. These are people with bond which far stronger that even blood or romantic ones. We first meet parabatai in the TMI, but exactly in TID this issue is showed in the brightest light. Will’s suffering when he thought Jem was dead are very alike to those when you lose someone relative and close to you. It is really wonderful that they went through all these years side by side even if in not exactly that way they imagined. 

“Will rose slowly to his feet. He could not believe he was doing what he was doing, but it was clear that he was, clear as the silver rim around the black of Jem’s eyes. “If there is a life after this one,” he said, “let me meet you in it, James Carstairs.”
“There will be other lives.” Jem held his hand out, and for a moment, they clasped hands, as they had done during their parabatai ritual, reaching across twin rings of fire to interlace their fingers with each other. “The world is a wheel,” he said. “When we rise or fall, we do it together.”
Will tightened his grip on Jem’s hand, which felt thin as twigs in his. “Well, then,” he said, through a tight throat, “since you say there will be another life for me, let us both pray I do not make as colossal a mess of it as I have this one.” 

Tessa was more than lucky to have two great loves in her life and to spend so many years with each of them. But the moment Jem dies will come eventually and it’s terrifying. When he is old and dying-without Will at his side-she would stay truly on her own. But they have lots of adventures by that time.

Frankly I liked A Clockwork Prince less because I can’t stand books about love triangles. I always want to slap the one who is in charge of it. In my opinion it is impossible to love two people equally and truthfully at the same time. It’s pure selfishness. One will be always a little bit closer to you than another. There are a lot of reasons for such triangles. The fear of being alone, incapability of letting go or get that person hurt. But Cassandra Clare showed that it is really possible to love two people wholeheartedly. And it was beautiful. 

 I used to love Magnus above them all in TMI but now I should add Will and Jem to the list of my favourite characters for they are such sweet characters to read about.

All in all I liked this series. I 

recommend it to all Shadowhunters’ fans. 

P.S. I mean like look at those covers. They are sooooo cool!

“You endure what is unbearable, and you bear it. That is all.” 

YA YA

The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Mortal Instruments, The Fault in Our Stars. It seems that we all are surrounded by Young-Adult culture. Is it good or bad - debatable. But it is a fact. Let us take deeper insight into this phenomenon. 

These stories keep the tendency of being predictable. So why on earth would a grown-up want to read or watch it anyway? The answer is we all have that child, a teenager inside of us. Sometimes we want to let it go. While reading/watching something YA realted we can allow ourselves to feel those feelings we felt when we were teens. And it is pleasant, really. 

The other question is - does all YA product we see is worth wasting our time? Not really. There are quality products and raw materials which pretend to be quality. How to differentiate them? Not easily. Because lots of YA material is hyped today, it is difficult to understand wether it's worth your time or no. The answer is you should try. Only after that you can truly say that it is a quality product. 
Don't hesitate in trying new things. There are lots of good authors nowadays who write decent YA books and they turn into movies. Try everything that catches your eye, there's nothing be ashamed about (well some adults really are ashamed of reading YA books). Be sure you don't miss anything amazing.

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.”