The Infernal Devices: Afterthoughts

     Please don't read this if you haven't read the series yet, it's full of SPOILERS!!!

     I'm not sure I can fully express how much in love I am with these books. Truly, I believe I can honestly say it is my favorite series that I have ever read, and if you know me, I don't often have one favorite of anything! Usually I have several favorites and can't decide which I like best of all; this seems to be an exception. 

    To repeat some of my review, the story arc is second to none, and only one other series even compares for me in this area: Harry Potter. The way the author builds the plot, character development, and relationships to the ultimate climax and then resolution, is truly masterful. I have read a few series in which the 3rd and/or final book has been a disappointment for one reason or another, but The Infernal Devices conclusion  not only did not disappoint, it simply soared above and beyond anything I could have hoped for!

     The story of Tessa, Will, and Jem, in my opinion, stands alone as the most unique, moving, and extraordinary love triangle I have ever experienced. And I say experienced, because it was so much more than simply reading; every change their various relationships went through was thoroughly felt. The thing that so distinguished their "love triangle", was the one-of-a-kind connection between Will and Jem. I absolutely loved their blood-brother bond. Their deep love for one another was the defining factor in both of their lives. This love was so true, that either of them would have given their life for the other; and not only that, but give up their happiness in life, which Will actually did for a while. I could go on and on about each of them; it's astonishing to me how wonderfully complex the author made both the characters and their respective relationships.

     The other thing I have to rave about is the epilogue: undeniably one of the most moving chapters I have ever read, or even watched in a movie. Comparable to the opening of "Up", or the ending of "The Notebook", it was so achingly bittersweet; I have cried profusely each time I have read it! The beautiful description of Will and Tessa's life together as he lay on his deathbed is simply beyond compare. Their whole story throughout the series brought so many emotions, culminating in this profound final chapter in the series.  

    Of course, this brings up what happens after, and her reunion with Jem 80 years after Will died. At first, I wasn't sure how to feel about it, thinking it was just too perfect for her to end up having both of them; also that it somehow took away from what she had with Will. However, when I got some perspective about how long she had lived alone, and how much she really did love them both, I changed my mind. Besides, finding happiness with someone else after you lose the "love of your life", does not diminish said love. It also helped me to read Cassandra Clare's response to many reader's emotional reaction to the ending; I thought she very eloquently explained and added to my understanding of why she wrote it that way. If you are crazy like me and can't get enough, here is the link to that post:  http://cassandraclare.tumblr.com/post/46238458552/clockwork-princess-spoiler-questions-and-answers

    Well, I think that's all I am going to say, although if you know me you know I could probably talk about this for HOURS. I would love to read your comments on any or all of this!

The Infernal Devices--Review

       This review has been a really long time coming; I listed this series on my post about favorite books many months ago! I will start by telling you that the first book, Clockwork Angel, was recommended to me on a list of books from a friend, and promptly forgotten about until she asked me several months later if I had read it.  I decided if it was that good that she specifically asked about it, I would get right on it. Well, 15 months later, I have not only read the entire trilogy twice, I have also listened to the 2nd and 3rd installments on audio book! (I just finished the other night, and decided to finally write about it while it was fresh in my memory.) 

     The story takes place in Victorian England, with a unique fantasy world that truthfully I wasn't sure I would enjoy at first. The plot revolves around Shadowhunters, who are a special race commissioned with the task of protecting the world from demons. The mythology that Cassandra Clare weaves throughout the books is very well thought out, and is built upon skillfully as the story unfolds; I never felt the momentum become bogged down with information. 

   I am not going to include plot details or even a synopsis; I am just going to ask you to please give this series a chance! If you have heard of The Mortal Instruments by the same author, just know that, for me, this prequel of sorts is FAR superior.  The story arc is second to none, and only one other series even compares for me in that arena, which is Harry Potter. The way the author builds the plot, character development, and relationships, brick by brick so to speak, to the ultimate climax and then resolution, is truly masterful. I have read a few series in which the 3rd and final book has been a disappointment for one reason or another; either it just doesn't live up to my expectations for the overall feeling (Mockingjay), or loses the momentum of the first two and nearly bores me to tears (Allegiant). The Infernal Devices not only did not disappoint, it simply soared above and beyond anything I could have hoped for! 
  
     I am so in love with many of the characters (which were complex and so fleshed out they felt real) and their stories, which for me is the most important part of any novel. I hope I have at least piqued your curiosity enough to pick up the first book. If you do read it or already have, please read my follow-up post "The Infernal Devices--Afterthoughts" (but not until you've read it, it contains spoilers!). I would love it if you would respond and let me know whether or not you feel the same way! 
       

          

Dystopian Overview

   
     Since I haven't been keeping up very well with my book reviews, I decided to do something a little different: instead of writing a review on a single book, or giving you a list of my favorites with a grade, I'm going to write a series of short reviews on books in a similar genre.  This way, if you loved Hunger Games, e.g., and want to find something similar, you can read this post and see several alternatives and my opinions on them, and also if I give it less than an A, the reasons for that.

     Let's start with The Hunger Games:  Overall, I think I ended up giving the series as a whole an A-.  All 3 books were definite page-turners, and like nothing I had ever read before; and they had JUST enough of a love story to pass. I did end up a little disappointed in the final installment, Mockingjay. I know people who hated it and others who loved it, and I fell somewhere in the middle.  While I still found it very compelling, I think I expected more of an inspiring story, with Katniss rising up to become the hero she was destined to be. Instead, it had a very heavy feeling throughout, and ended up being depressing in my opinion.  And yet, I am still looking forward to the movies! :)

     For months after reading those, I was basically on the hunt for anything else like it!  It took a while, but I had the book Divergent recommended to me from several sources and finally gave it a try and really liked it!  As far as The Divergent Trilogy goes, like The Hunger Games I really enjoyed the first 2, but unlike it I ended up kind of bored with the 3rd one, Allegiant!  I have friends who liked it just fine, and have read reviews of those who hated the way it ended, but for me I just almost lost interest completely!  I don't know if it was the "info dump" where the author was explaining so much, and actually complicated some things unnecessarily, or what.  The love story was, again, just enough to keep the series an A-.

     There are 2 stand-along books in this genre that I really enjoyed: Agenda 21 by Glenn Beck, and The Giver, by Lois Lowry (this actually became a series, but the sequels didn't measure up).  Really, very fascinating takes on future possibilities, the first being based on an actual UN Agenda. That one even has a bit of a love story that I wasn't expecting that was really sweet!  The Giver (considered a children's or pre-teen book) I read even before Hunger Games, and it was very thought-provoking; particularly about how much freedom we are willing to give up for the sake of safety. Highly recommend both of these; solid B's, mostly for no love story (sorry, it's a must! :)) in The Giver and for Agenda 21, just not as much of a page-turner as some.


     Moving right along to a couple I didn't like as much: First,  The Matched Trilogy. You would think, with a premise very much focused on love matches, that I would have loved this series; as it turns out, I think the first one was a B but they went downhill from there and just didn't hold my interest well enough.  The world building was interesting, but the love triangle fell flat! The 2nd book with its constant travelling and the 3rd where they weren't together were just frustrating for me. Again, I know people who really like it, so don't let me stop you from trying!

     And now for one I actually couldn't even get through, The Uglies Series. This one has a unique and interesting premise, where at a certain age every person is made "pretty", except for those who don't want to submit to the government control that comes along with it; they are known as "Uglies".  I was interested enough after the first book to pick up the 2nd, but unfortunately The Pretties are also what I like to call The Idiotic. The way they talked and their shallowness, although I realize he used these things for a purpose, were just unbearable!  I ended up skimming more than 1/2 when I couldn't take the word "bubbly" anymore...

     One more that I'm currently reading the 3rd installment, and he is writing a 4th,  The Unwind Dystology. Another solid B, which means definitely worth reading! The tiny amount of romance keeps it well out of the range of A, but otherwise it's very interesting.  Very thoughtful examination of the moral implications of "unwinding", a fictional result of outlawing abortion: the parent could have the child unwound before the age of 16, with all parts being donated to others who needed them.  Sounds crazy, but somehow he makes it seem possible!  

     So that's my overview of the Dystopian books I've read; I hope it helps you decide what to pick up next in this ever-growing genre! 

My Favorite Books of 2013

     This list isn't limited to books released in 2013, only to books I read this year.  Some of them I've already reviewed; most are probably on my A or B lists.  Although I don't read much nonfiction, I am including it as a category here, as well as audiobooks as a separate category.  I listen while I work, and usually choose books I'm interested in but not completely sure I will like, if that makes sense.  Usually, I'm right and they are just OK, but I had a couple surprises this year.  If I find myself trying to find time to listen to them when I'm not at work, I know I have found a winner! :)

     Best Fantasy Series: The Infernal Devices--I have yet to review this series, but that is coming soon!  I think I read the first one and maybe even two in December of 2012, but I read them all again anyway, so it still counts! :)  Seriously, I usually don't have all-time favorites, but this very well could be it for me in the fantasy series category.  It is as well-written as Harry Potter in my opinion, with the perfectly executed story arc and overall satisfaction, but has more emphasis on the love story, which you and I both know is a priority for me. :)  Very unique setting and some of the best characters, both primary and secondary.  Must also mention another trilogy I read 2x, The River of Time; I reviewed that one a few months ago.

     Best Romance:  Edenbrooke--I just reviewed this so won't say too much (check it out a few blog posts down), but seriously, other than Redeeming Love, of course, this is the BEST love story I have ever read!  Reminiscent of Jane Austen in setting but SO much easier to follow; it is, as I said, simply delightful! (and I don't talk like that!!)  The characters and their interactions are perfection; so sweet and heartfelt.

     Best Audiobook:  The Raven Boys--wasn't too sure if I would like this or not; and truly, if you find New Age-y stuff makes you uncomfortable, don't read it (e.g. physics, ley lines, etc.).  It is a story told somewhat slowly, as she does a lot of character development along the way.  This was one audiobook I almost wished I would have sat down to read instead, although I really did enjoy the narrator; he had such a pleasant southern drawl, it really was an addition rather than a detraction like some audiobook readers have been for me. Only problem? It's a trilogy (at least) with only the first 2 written... :(  Solid B+!

     Best Nonfiction: Finding Roses in the Dust : A Journey to a New Perspective--still working on this one, but it is an enjoyable yet very challenging account of a family's year in Afghanistan. It is really putting life in perspective for me. The chapter on thankfulness was spot-on.  Also have to recommend Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown which I listened to on audiobook recently.

     Least Favorite:  I did start a couple series that I thought sounded interesting but ended up not even finishing the 2nd book: The Uglies.  First book was OK; 2nd book (The Pretties) I couldn't stand!  Also, The Selection; once again first book and premise wasn't bad, 2nd book I ended up skimming and I don't even care what happens enough to pick up the next one! 
 
     So that's that; it was a very good year for books for me!  I hope you get an idea for a book or series that you eventually pick up and love like crazy!  :)



 

To Kindle, or Not to Kindle

     

      I have been thinking for a few years now about getting myself a Kindle, and I finally did it for my birthday last month! Although I still prefer good old-fashioned print books, I can't deny the convenience; and so I have finally given in. For economical reasons, I went with the original ($69); the drawbacks I have found are: 1) it's not a touchscreen; you have to navigate with a 4-way arrow under the screen, and turn pages with buttons on the side; 2) there is not a built-in light and 3) compared to other options the contrast is not great.

     Because of these things, I talked my mom recently into purchasing the newer and improved Kindle Paperwhite ($119).  The improved contrast as well as the ability to adjust screen brightness (from completely unlit, like mine, to fairly bright) give you more options.  You can read in the dark without turning a separate light on, as well as read in bright sunlight more easily.  Now I really want to upgrade...already!! 

     Another option (which I would have considered, but I already share a tablet with my daughter) is the Kindle Fire HD 7".  In my opinion, this is a GREAT alternative to an iPad, and much more cost effective.  You have several options, from screen size, to adding 4G, but the original is a very affordable $174. 

     I realize there are other brands of e-readers out there, such as Nook, and others, but for me Kindle was always the way to go.  First of all, I am already an Amazon shopper, and I know there are frequent deals on Kindle books.  I have already purchased several for $0.99 or $1.99, as well as acquired a few for free!  It's also SO easy; when you order a Kindle, it is automatically connected to your Amazon account.  That way, whenever you buy a Kindle book, it can be set up easily to automatically download to your device.  

    I still plan to borrow from the library and purchase regular print books, but I am really happy to have my Kindle; one main reason is for trips.  Thinking about packing for Canada over Christmas becomes much easier, not to mention lighter!  Not only do I not have to haul the 800 page book I am planning to read, but if I actually finish it and want to read something else, I have several other options already at my fingertips.  And of course, I can always log into Amazon and purchase any Kindle ebooks that strike my fancy, downloaded in seconds!  Isn't technology amazing?  :)  

     

Other Books Well Worth Reading--the B's

    I have already given you a list of my favorite books and series, which earned A's from me; but there are many other books that I enjoyed as well, just not thoroughly enough to have earned an A.  This is what I am calling my "B list".  I have narrowed down the elements in a book that I must have to some degree in order for it to be an "A":  real characters (i.e. they feel alive, and I come to care about what happens to them), engaging plot (otherwise known as a "page-turner"), and love story (the 2 characters that you want to be together, do fall in love and end up together).  Obviously if the writing quality is poor, your chances are slim that all 3 of these elements will be there, so I don't count that as a separate essential element.

   That brings up a sore spot for me though...I read a comment about Twilight when I was in the thick of my obsession, that Stephen King had said Stephenie Meyer wasn't a great writer.  I took issue with this at the time, my argument being: "If a writer writes a book that countless people can't get enough of, doesn't that make them a good writer?"  I'm not sure, as I know some people who agree with him, and some who don't.  I'm not by any means a literature snob, and frankly don't really enjoy most classics I've tried to read (sorry you die-hards)!).  If I can't put a book down, to me, that's a fantastic book.  Perhaps the author's skill is not up there with the masters in some respects, but they have a certain, undefinable magic about their writing if they can pull that off.  And that's all I have to say about that. :)

    So in light of my grading system, if I have given a book a B, it most likely falls short in one of the essential elements I listed.  Perhaps it had a slow section that I felt I had to push through (e.g. The Host), or just didn't have a love story that got enough attention (like Harry Potter or Blink); maybe I just didn't enjoy the way the story went or the overall feeling I was left with (as in Breaking Dawn or Mockingjay, listed on my A list because the others in those series were A's).   Without further ado, here is my list of B grade novels:


Harry Potter Series, by J.K. Rowling-B+
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak-B+
Girl of Fire and Thorns, by Rae Carson-B-
A Walk to Remember, by Nicolas Sparks-B
Agenda 21, by Glenn Beck-B+
Blink of an Eye, by Ted Dekker-B+
The Last Sin Eater, by Francine Rivers-B+
Graceling, by Kristin Cashore-B+
Song of Albion Trilogy, by Stephen Lawhead-B
A Tailor-Made Bride and To Win Her Heart, by Karen Witemeyer-B
The Giver, by Lois Lowry-B+
The Raven Cycle, by Maggie Stiefvater-B+ (so far!!!)
Shiver Trilogy, by Maggie Stiefvater-B
The Host: A Novel, by Stephenie Meyer-B
The Mortal Instruments, by Cassandra Clare-B-
The Grisha Trilogy, by Leigh Bardugo-B

Edenbrooke Review: Simply Delightful

      You probably know, I mostly gravitate toward books that have a good mix of action, adventure, and romance.  Just like with movies though, every once in a while, I just want a good chick flick! ;)  Unfortunately, when it comes to chick flicks and romance novels, too often they just don't measure up to my expectations.  Either they are too boring, too cookie-cutter, or just have very one-dimensional characters or storylines.  This book is a glaring exception; I absolutely adored everything about it!  

     It took me no time to really like the main characters, and their interaction with each other was unique and fun. The author did a wonderful job with character development and the story arc. At one point in the middle when it wasn't going so well for them, my heart was literally aching at times!  

     I loved the author's writing, period; hence the statement in my title "simply delightful". :) She had a way of communicating what both of the main characters were feeling at any given moment, and even better, of making me feel what they were feeling!  She completely drew me in to their interactions, and I identified with them and cared about them more and more as the book went on.  

     I don't know what else to say other than "You have to read this book!!".  Unless you are a hater of all things romantic, or just don't like books unless they are chock full of action, I predict you will love it.  I loaned my library book to someone to read, but once I get it back I plan to go back and re-read all the good parts! :) (Let's just be honest, I will most likely also buy it to loan out to everyone I know.)  But don't wait for that; go here and order it for yourself right now!