In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them... 

Can I just say how I utterly regret that I've read The Dark Artifices before getting into this series? For obvious reasons, ofcourse. TID was published before TDA so I've some across some major spoilers. Nevertheless, I've enjoyed reading Clockwork Angel so so much! I'm only on the first book but I am completely attached to the characters and invested to the story. And that plot twist! I seriously did not see that coming. I literally couldn't put the book down.

I am a sucker for love triangles. I know how some of you might hate that book trope but maybe this could be an exception. Their love story was beautifully written that I was torn on choosing between Jem and Will. They are evenly matched. Though I know who Tessa will end up with, I am intrigued on how their relationship came to be. I love all the characters, even Jessamine. No matter how stubborn and difficult she is, I think her character shows reality. That not every Shadowhunter wants to be a part of that world. That not everyone of them are a perfect fighter and bloodthirsty soldiers. I am also pleased to read about Tessa's love for book just like Lazlo Strange of Strange the Dreamer. I love it when character shares the same sentiment.

One of the issues that struck me was the gender inequality illustrated during that time. It happens in reality and reading about it makes me grateful of the improvements we have now on that department although women still tackle discrimination and oppression. Charlotte is really someone to look up to. I hope every girl that read this book realizes how powerful they are. That there is no dominant gender and our voice matters equally.

I love this book so much and I'm excited to read the sequel. Back to reading!

 

"One must always be careful of books and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us."

"There's plenty of sense in non-sense sometimes, if you wish to look for it."

The stunningly original, must-read fantasy of 2018 follows two fiercely independent young women, centuries apart, who hold the power to save their world...or doom it.
When assassins ambush her best friend, Rielle Dardenne risks everything to save him, exposing herself as one of a pair of prophesied queens: a queen of light, and a queen of blood. To prove she is the Sun Queen, Rielle must endure seven elemental magic trials. If she fails, she will be executed...unless the trials kill her first.
One thousand years later, the legend of Queen Rielle is a fairy tale to Eliana Ferracora. A bounty hunter for the Undying Empire, Eliana believes herself untouchable--until her mother vanishes. To find her, Eliana joins a rebel captain and discovers that the evil at the empire's heart is more terrible than she ever imagined.
As Rielle and Eliana fight in a cosmic war that spans millennia, their stories intersect, and the shocking connections between them ultimately determine the fate of their world--and of each other. 

I bought this book because of the hype I've seen on book bloggers but I am utterly disappointed. Though I love how it kept me guessing, I love the characters (Tal, Audric, Ludivine, Simon), and the story made me care about each of them. I only have one issue but plays a huge part and it makes all the difference. It was revealed on the first few chapters that Rielle is the Blood Queen and Eliana, obviously, the Sun Queen. I find it quite frustrating how unfair the story was for Rielle. There she was working her ass off to get some love and acceptance for nothing! She's literally putting her life on the line just to get affection and what does she get? She gets to be the bad guy that everyone hates. Even her freakin father was cruel to her. She was forced to live in isolation. But apparently, everyone's shocked how she turns out to be. What do you people expect with such harsh upbringing? She's forced into situations that would trigger hate and then get blamed for it. Where's the justice in that?
The only reason I kept pushing through pages was because I wanted to find out how on earth Rielle ended up killing the love of her life. And I'm not buying the "she's the villain" crap. I would burn the sequel of this book if I'm not given a good enough explanation for that. I couldn't careless how Eliana would find out about her powers. I mean this girl would trade the life of hundreds of innocent people to spare the life of her family. But no biggie. All is forgiven. She'll be the Sun Queen regardless. This wretched girl, who left Simon to save her own ass, would be everyone's savior.
It's like their actions doesn't matter because their fate is written. One could give up an entire rebel's haven but nobody bats an eye because she's already labeled the Sun Queen. And then another girl who is killing herself to prove her worth is doomed to be the Blood Queen. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS. One word to sum up my verdict, INJUSTICE. Also, how is this a YA Book? Some part contains scenes too mature for young readers. 

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life ... as only a dog could tell it.

 To all dog lovers out their, this is the book for you. Being one myself, I was really curious to read a story in the perspective of a dog. It was clear from the first chapters that Enzo is dying. There is only a handful of things that could make me cry and dog death is on top of that short list. But still I braved on finishing the book. Because while I know I'll end up welling up with tears, this book was also funny and heartwarming. I was bursting with anger and then I was genuinely happy. It has been a long while since I've felt so much emotion for a book. Emotions that manifest themselves outwardly and not just feelings that doesn't show. Making The Art of Dancing in the Rain, a new additional to my favorite books of all time.

I easily understood the special bond between Enzo and Denny. I can't help but reminisce all the pets I had. All I equally loved and cherished. All holds a piece of my heart. Out of more than a hundred books I've read, only three books managed to make me cry. Of all three, I cried on this one the hardest.

I think the hardest part of being a dog owner is knowing someday, you'll have to let them go. But the joy and love a dog brings does not compare to that heartbreaking truth. And just like Denny, I think no matter how much it pains us to say goodbye, we should be by their side as they face what comes next. Enzo will surely capture a reader's heart. Highly recommended to all readers of all ages! This story will stay with you long after you finished the book.

Also, listen and watch the official video of Happier by Marshmello. I think it's the perfect soundtrack!

“That which you manifest is before you.”

“There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose."

What if damnation is the price of true love?

Innocent blood has been spilled on the steps of the Council Hall, the sacred stronghold of the Shadowhunters. In the wake of the tragic death of Livia Blackthorn, the Clave teeters on the brink of civil war. One fragment of the Blackthorn family flees to Los Angeles, seeking to discover the source of the blight that is destroying the race of warlocks.

Meanwhile, Julian and Emma take desperate measures to put their forbidden love aside and undertake a perilous mission to Faerie to retrieve the Black Volume of the Dead. What they find in the Courts is a secret that may tear the Shadow World asunder and open a dark path into a future they could never have imagined. Caught in a race against time, Emma and Julian must save the world of Shadowhunters before the deadly power of the parabatai curse destroys them and everyone they love. 

 This has been a hell of a ride. Finishing the conclusion to The Dark Artifices series has been a rollercoaster of emotions! First off, can I just point out how much I adore all the Blackthorns! I have never wanted to be a part of a huge family but seeing their bond changed my mind completely. They have been through so much but I couldn't imagine anything that could tear this family apart! That's just how solid they are.

Heads up for those Emma and Julian shippers! I just can't stand these two. I love their character individually but not as a couple. I don't get how they are still so caught up with their feelings for each other in the midst of their grief for Livvy. I am so annoyed when they had an intense bedroom scene right after Livvy's funeral! I am more interested on reading more about the love story of Kieran, Mark and Cristina.

Favorite Moments:
1. Dru being a hero. Way to show the elders you're never too young to save the day.
2. Magnus and Alec's happily ever after.
3. Diana hacking off Horace Dearborn's arm.
4. Tavvy asking to be carried home during a war.

I still have so many questions in mind! I can only hope that I could get answers from CC's upcoming books. This book contains a number of mature contents. Young readers, read with discretion.

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets—a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

Crooked Kingdom is the second and last book to the Six of Crows duology. This series just got better and better! I love the story's intricacies.Every character has a story of their own that is revealed perfectly in time. It helps us understand the whys of their actions. Here's my top three characters:
1. Inej is definitely my favorite. We can learn a thing or two from her. I absolutely admire her strength. No matter how tragic her past was, her struggles didn't break her. Instead, she rooted on them to give herself purpose.
2. I love how Kaz's mind works. His schemes are brilliant. I don't buy that he's all bad. However heartless he may seem, I don't think all his motivations are purely out of greed. And though he doesn't believe it himself, He's proven himself good countless of times. We can also see him struggling with his feelings with Inej. I don't want to spoil anything but their progress really makes me squeal my heart out!
3. Nina brings so much life in every scene she's in. Her sass and humor never fails to make me laugh which is why I always look forward for her POV. In this book we continue to see how she copes with the withdrawal of the dreaded jurda parem. But let me ease your worry, our girl is still her glamorous self!

I love how this book has tackled morality. It made me rethink the definition of good and evil; what makes a man bad or good. There were also important issues explored throughout this series like gambling addiction and human trafficking. Kudos to Leigh Bardugo for raising awareness about important matters. I am so glad to see how solid their friendship is. So I was really heartbroken to see their journey together come to an end. Get your tissues ready. I almost teared up on this one!

"You aren't a flower. You are every blossom in the wood blooming at once."
"I would come for you. And if I couldn't walk, I'd crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we'd fight our way out together--knife drawn, pistols blazing." 

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price–and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone…
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.

 Almost all my favorite bloggers have the Six of Crows on their book recommendations so I dove into this book with high expectations. Leigh Bardugo did not disappoint. The hype is real! I was hooked after only the first chapter. With its action packed scenes, I could hardly put the book down.

I love how the characters have their own rich back story. And we get to know them better as the perspective rotates on each of them. But I find Kaz’s character most interesting. He’s the mastermind behind the impossible heist . He’s so complex, badass and cold blooded but everything changes when Inej gets in the picture. It was obvious that Inej isn’t just another member of the gang to Kaz. But with Kaz’s unsentimental character and stone cold heart, it was interesting how their love story will unfold. Speaking of romance, we have a couple of ships in the story. One is Nina and Matthias and the other, I’d leave for you to find out.

I’d like to think that underneath their greed, individual interests and ambitions, there is a meaningful bond between their group that holds them together. Hopefully I get to see how their friendship grows in Crooked Kingdom, the second book of this series.

“The heart is an arrow. It demands aim to land true.”
“Many boys will bring you flowers. But someday you’ll meet a boy who will learn your favorite flower, your favorite song, your favorite sweet. And even if he is too poor to give any of them, it won’t matter because he will have taken the time to know you as no one else does. Only that boy earns your heart.”
“No mourners. No funerals.”

Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal’s betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all… starting with the crown on Maven’s head.
But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal’s powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything—and everyone—in his path.

War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?

In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard’s stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power… for all will be tested, but not all will survive.

Not one of the unique books out their but I loved it all the same. War Storm has been one of my most anticipated read because it is the conclusion to the Red Queen Series (one of my favorite fantasy novel). Reading War Storm took me longer than I expected. For some reason, I wasn't quite invested during the first couple of chapters. I was almost halfway through when I finally warmed up to the story. Let's take a look at some of the characters.
1. Evangeline and Ptolemus Samos' bond is very admirable. I used to hate Evangeline's character but seeing her love for her sibling and for Elane tipped the scale to her favor. Her attitude is very amusing she really brings color to every scene she's in. Her POV quickly became my favorite.
2. I could feel nothing but sympathy for Maven Calore. No matter how twisted and despicable he was, all I can see is a damaged boy, all Elara's doing. I couldn't help but imagine how he could turn out to be if it weren't for his mother. Will Mare fall for him instead of Cal? Will he stand beside the Reds fighting for the cause? I also love how the story is told on his perspective. And just like Cal, I find myself searching for even the slightest hint of anything good in him.
3. I highly respect Cal for being a righteous ruler. He's always at war with himself in choosing what he knows is right and what he's trained and made to be. I see genuine goodness in him although some might think that Mare lead him to do things different from cruel Silvers. Though I see his reason for choosing the crown over Mare, I was really hoping that his love for her is enough to set aside anything that comes between them. But I couldn't be more wrong. Later in the story I realized I would gladly trash my musings in comparison on how Cal's choice ended up to be and why.
4. I would really like to see more of who Mare really is if she wasn't forced to be the lightning girl or Mareena. She has a wall built upon herself because the war calls for it but rarely her mask slips and we get to peek at Mare Barrow. I am amazed by her strength not just because of the lightning but her drive to fight for the cause even if it means letting go of the one she loves.

Finishing this series I realized that sometimes, if we let them, people could mold us into a kind of person we may not wish to be. I think this has been a serious issue on the story and I am glad that it was addressed well. I would also like to commend Victoria Aveyard for having such detailed action scenes. But I was quite disappointed on how this series ended because Red Queen was really good so I had high expectations. The ending was predictable. I didn't find any gripping twist to War Storm but there was contentment on how the story ended.

“I think living without love at all, any kind of love, is weakness. And the worst kind of darkness.”
“Not all crowns are worn were people can see.”