Clockwork Prince

I have just finished a book that reminded me why I stay up all night reading and still wake up in the morning happy and energized.  I guess I didn't realize how long it had been since I read a book that make me feel like this one did.  This may be mildly pathetic, but I haven't even been able to start a new book yet because I want to just revel in my let-down after this book.  In case you haven't noticed, I LOVED it!

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare is riveting.  Every little scene she writes has a significant meaning and this character driven sequel weaves into the story beautifully and without pause.  Tessa is still learning about the world of Shadowhunters.  They do things so differently than the rest of the world.  Danger lurks around every corner and sometimes even her dreams are not safe.  One thing that haunts her is the fact that she still doesn't know what she is or what Mortmain wants with her.  Will still continues to push her away in his dark and mysterious attitude, but sometimes he show Tessa a tenderness that makes her believe he's not who he appears to be.  She and Jem are building a lasting friendship that could turn out to be more serious than she imagined.

I hope you all take the time to pick up this book, and more importantly, the series.  Not only are the covers of her books stunning, but Cassandra Clare has brought the world some excellent fiction that I just can't get enough of.  I laughed out loud, I cried, and I was incredibly sad when I realized I was on the last chapter.  I wanted more!  The final book in the Infernal Devices series comes out November/December and I'm so excited!

Loves!

Sapphique

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Sapphique is a sequel to the book Incarceron.  After my last post you're probably wondering if I'll ever read fantasy again.  This one has a decent cover though, don't you think?  Well, This just happens to be a fantasy book, but it's not high fantasy (which still moderately frightens me).  There are no elves, dwarves, trolls, or anything like that.  This one actually teeters more on the edge of steampunk.  If you don't know what steampunk is let me know and I'll do a post on the genre.  It's actually kind of neat!

**SPOILER ALERT**

Finn is now living outside of Incarceron, the largest prison in the world.  He realizes it may not be anything he thought it would be.  The blackouts and fits are getting worse and his memories still haven't come back.  Claudia expected that once Finn was released from Incarceron, he would remember he's the rightful heir to the throne and claim his kingdom.  She still doubts that he is the real Prince Giles and her betrothed.  He's different, a prison rat.  Queen Sia, his stepmother and the person who ordered him sent to Incarceron, memories erased, still doesn't want Finn to be crowned.

Meanwhile, Keiro and Attia are still trapped in Incarceron, and the prison grows steadily angrier that one of it's inmates escaped.  Finn promised them he would find a way to release them, but he hasn't yet and they don't know how much longer they can wait for him.

Will Finn and Claudia be able to take their kingdom in spite of the Queen's death threats?  Will Keiro and Attia ever escape the prison and stop Incarceron from getting Out?

All right, so, that was kind of a long synopsis and it really only spoiled bits of the first book, and not so much this sequel.  As I said before, this book was rather enjoyable.  The characters were well used and thought out and it was a perfect end to the story.  Each of the characters uses their wit to conquer the problems that arise.  The war is won by the ones who aren't afraid to think, and take risks.  Catherine Fisher does a really excellent job of showing that Finn in the rightful prince.  As he adjusts to the world a little more, I was able to see how he truly was the perfect prince and how he will make the kingdom great again.

There were times when I had to go back and re-read because I couldn't quite figure out what was going on or who's point of view I had just dived into, but it wasn't too much of a hindrance.  Had the first book still been fresh in my mind I think it would have been easier.

So Good

If you've looked at my blog at all you know that I thoroughly enjoy the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare.  When I found out that she was writing a prequel series (Infernal Devices) I was so excited.  The first book came out a couple of weeks ago and I have finally had the chance to read it!  It was every bit as good as the other series with some new twists and turns.  Not to mention some familiar characters.  This one, I believe, is still considered Urban Fantasy (don't ask me what the genre really entails because I couldn't tell you), but this one takes place in Victorian London.  This one also has just a teeny bit of Steampunk in it as well, but not too much.  I know many people may be put off by the words Fantasy and Steampunk, but really, these are good!  Now, I'm terribly excited for book two in this new prequel series.