The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

 

Pages: 465

"Will is the bearer of the knife. Now, accompanied by angels, his task is to deliver that powerful, dangerous weapon to Lord Asriel - by the command of his dying father.

But how can he go looking for Lord Asriel when Lyra is gone? Only with her help can he fathom the myriad plots and intrigues that beset him.

The two great powers of the many worlds are lining up for war, and Will must find Lyra, for together they are on their way to battle, an inevitable journey that will even take them to the world of the dead..."

This book might be my favorite of the trilogy. I loved seeing Dr Malone interacting with the new world and exploring their language and culture. The heartbreaking moments were so well done, I wanted to hold Pantalaimon and tell him it will be okay and the ending wrecked me. Listening to the author read the Audiobook version was amazing and I always love when they have a voice cast for the characters. Definitly would recommend to anyone who enjoys adventure and audiobooks.

Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare

 Pages: 617

"The Shadow Market is a meeting point for faeries, werewolves, warlocks and vampires. There the Downworlders buy and sell magical objects, make dark bargains, and whisper secrets they do not want the Nephilim to know. Through two centuries, however, there has been a frequent visitor to the Shadow Market from the City of Bones, Brother Zachariah.  Follow and see, against the backdrop of the Shadow Market’s dark dealings and festive celebrations, Anna Lightwood’s first romance, Matthew Fairchild’s great sin and Tessa Gray plunged into a world war. Valentine Morgenstern buys a soul at the Market and a young Jace Wayland’s soul finds safe harbor. In the Market is hidden a lost heir and a beloved ghost, and no one can save you once you have traded away your heart. Not even Brother Zachariah..."

I will read anything from the Shadowhunter universe at this rate and getting to follow Jem and Tessa even more? Sold! My favorite part of this universe is still the Clockwork trilogy with the Dark Artifices a close second. This brings them both together with eight short stories that all had me smiling (my favorite being The Land I Lost). 

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare

 

Pages: 673

"Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. Written by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman, these moving and hilarious short stories are perfect for the fan who just can’t get enough of the Shadowhunters."

I know, I'm addicted. But this was a nice break from the main books and I enjoyed the chance to follow Simons character growth from one series to another. Some books were better than others, my favorite being "Born to Endless Night." Magnus is an amazing character and this story was so pure!

Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare

 Pages: 870

"Innocent blood has been spilled on the steps of the Council Hall, the sacred stronghold of the Shadowhunters. In the wake of a tragic death, 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 disease 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."

This series is one of the best YA series I have ever read. The author has made me fall for so many of the characters, the representation is on point as is how she handles mental health. This is certainly the darkest of the three books but the ending was absolutely phenomenal. I truly hope we get to see the Blackthorn family more in future books. Though I think I may have to take a break from this universe to recover from the emotional damage.

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

 

Pages: 699

"Emma Carstairs has learned that the love she shares with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, isn’t just forbidden—it could destroy them both. She knows she should run from Julian. But how can she when the Blackthorns are threatened by enemies on all sides? Their only hope is the Black Volume of the Dead, a spell book of terrible power. Everyone wants it. Only the Blackthorns can find it. Spurred on by a dark bargain with the Seelie Queen, Emma; her best friend, Cristina; and Mark and Julian Blackthorn journey into the Courts of Faerie, where glittering revels hide bloody danger and no promise can be trusted. Meanwhile, rising tension between Shadowhunters and Downworlders has produced the Cohort, an extremist group of Shadowhunters dedicated to registering Downworlders and “unsuitable” Nephilim. They’ll do anything in their power to expose Julian’s secrets and take the Los Angeles Institute for their own."

I don't have words. The ending has ripped by heart out and run all over it. I want to throttle so many side characters. The Blackthorns don't deserve this. I am scared for Ty and how he will react in the next book but I am going to read it anyway cause I have so many questions and no answers!

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Pages: 688

"Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses. Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her in treacherous directions…Making things even more complicated, Julian’s brother Mark—who was captured by the faeries five years ago—has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind—and they need the Shadowhunters’ help to do it. But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?"

I absolutely loved this book. The angst was a little drawn out for me, but the characters and plot made up for it. I was not expecting the neurodivergent representation and fell in love with Ty. I hope we get more of him in the next two books. I really liked the weaving in of the poem into the story and could not stop reading the last 200 pages. Everything was happening at once and so many reveals were made. I cannot wait to start the next book!

Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

City of Fallen Angels

Pages: 425

"The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She’s training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. But nothing comes without a price. Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves."

City of Lost Souls

Pages: 535

"What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?"

City of Heavenly Fire

Pages: 753

"Darkness has descended on the Shadowhunter world. Chaos and destruction overwhelm the Nephilim as Clary, Jace, Simon, and their friends band together to fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary’s own brother. Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell. Nothing in this world can defeat Sebastian—but if they journey to the realm of demons, they just might have a chance…"

Apologies for the long post, but I binged the last three books in this series. The writing kept getting better, though it did slow down in the 5th book a little bit but the conundrum of how to separate Jace from Sebastian kept me reading. Prepare for some heartbreak in the final book. I had to take a few breaks near the end especially to process. I cannot wait to see what else the author has in store for this universe in the coming trilogies and spin-offs!

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

 Pages: 541

"To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters. As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?"

Soo many reveals in this book! The ending had me crying and I was left wondering what the next three books are going to be about. They left one loose end and I am curious to see how it plays out. I really enjoyed this one and I am hoping the books keep improving as the series goes.

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

 Pages: 453

"Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father."

Where to begin. I was surprised at the diversity in this book. It was published in 2008 when diversity in YA wasn't as big as it is now, making it a trailblazer in that regard. The tension and pacing was better in this book than the first, and we are finally getting some secrets answered. I am also shipping everyone together and I am hoping they all happen!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

 

Pages: 485

"When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled in with a vengeance when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know..."

Finally going back to re-read this series and finish it this time around. I was intrigued by the "magic" system in this book. Though the Shadowhunters refuse to call it that. The author paints a rich world where the supernatural coexists with the human world, which isn't the most original of ideas, but there is the added Shadowhunters that keep these beings in line that makes this world unique.

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas

Have I been live texting my best friend who read this before me...yes. Has she told me to go to bed on time....also yes.

Me literally taking anything that could possibly be related to Throne of Glass or ACOTAR and going with the crossover theory:
 
Me trying to predict the plot of this book: 

The. Otters. That is all.
Syrinx. We worship him. He is sphinx cat, you can't prove me wrong. 
Bryce is an icon and we stan. Also. We also stan Hunt. I will not be taking comments.
The characters. Fantastic. The commentary on grief and trauma. Chef's kiss. Like. fjkldsa. I don't have words I just have live reaction texts... and gifs/memes that would spoil....
Like...the last 150 pages. were a ride. 

816 Pages

Grace and Glory by Jennifer L Armentrout

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS WE HAVE ANGELS COVERED IN EYES. FINALLY WE DOING BIBLICAL ANGELS AND NOT THE ROMANTICIZED VERSION.
....I'm chill. 
Ok but the classic Jennifer Armentrout character---AKA the quirky friend who listens to the main character. Peanut, I love you. 
Well well well... It looks like my theory of the crossover may not be a crack theory after all.... yes it's the gemstones and ley lines. 

Come on Jennifer. Give me the crossover this world deserves. 

on your left
staaaaaaaaaaahp. you can't just bring up West Virginia
"Nope rope" "Danger noodle"
hehehe snow.
aaaaaaand now I need to go through the series and re-read that character to see if I can catch easter eggs. 
Jennifer staaaaaaaaaaaaahp. You are killing me. killing me. 
512 Pages

Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer Armentrout

"Dean was much like Sam" ...really Jennifer...really...must you?
fjdklsajfkdajfkljafklsaj d my ship
...YA has conditioned me to think that whenever a boy insults a girl and says "he was pretending" to read it as "I'm lying to protect you because I love you".....that's not problematic at all....
And here I thought the cure for hangovers was greasy food. 
Flower and Bluebell. All of the crying emojis.
I love Roth. I know we know this. But I love him.
480 Pages

White Hot Kiss by Jennifer Armentrout

Baaaaaaaaaaaaaambi
...He drives an Impala

Armentrout really do love sassy children and boys who love their cars.
Any time Roth says "Stony" my brain thinks of Mushu from Mulan.
Thumper
....I have so many feelings
400 Pages

Dreams of Gods and Mosnters by Laini Taylor

A character named Eliza....

The books keep getting longer and I have absolutely no complaints. Bless up y'all.

Alexa play the climax of "My Heart Will Go On" ....it fits the pining....
fjkldssfdajklsfdajklsfdjklsfdjklsfdjklsfdjkl;sfdjljld;saf
Laini Taylor:


Chef's kiss. It's magical and beautiful and I'm not crying, it's my allergies. I love the chemistry... Plus my ships. Oh my ships...  All the twists and turns...Also when everything is going great but there's still like....a hundred pages left.....one fear.

It could have been like the Romeo x Juliet anime, or it could have been like LOTR....pheww. They were stressing me out... because that was a different kind of angst than I was prepared for....
640 Pages

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

I heard "secret lover" and my brain went "secret tunnel."

I WILL PROTECT MY CHILD. I would kill for Karou. She deserves the world and she deserves better.
Thiago has Iago in the name...

Seriously paste all of the Lion King 2 gifs....

I live for pining and for angst and for sufffering.....I'm going to die alone...This is fine..

New characters and they're amazing

Wait is that ace representation?!
544 Pages

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

....Evanescence... and now "My Immortal" is playing in my head... IT FITS DON'T JUDGE ME...I'm totally here for the interlude with the electric guitar. It fits, and you can't prove otherwise. I live for angst.

Also svdjklsgda;jklsfdjklsfd;jklsfd;jklsfda;jklsfda;jklsfd;sgjlds
Agh the angels and the world building and the characters and the drama. Send help.
Magical
I love Laini Taylor. Fantasy. Chef kiss

Aaaaaaaaaand the title is here.

Angst. Angst angst angst angst. It's beautiful.

448 Pages

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

I haven't read this series for a few years, so I thought I would go back and read it from the beginning. I have to say Cassandra's writing got a lot better as the books went on, but I stilled loved it. Simon has to be one of my favorite characters. The world of the Nephilim is engulfing and sucks me in every time.

Pages: 485

War of the Sons (Supernatural #6) by Rebecca Dessertine & David Reed

War of the Sons (Supernatural #6)
by Rebecca Dessertine & David Reed

4/5  |  320 pages

Twenty-seven years ago, Sam and Dean Winchester lost their mother to a mysterious and demonic supernatural force. In the years after, their father, John, taught them about the paranormal evil that lives in the dark corners and on the back roads of America... and he taught them how to kill it.


On the hunt for Lucifer, the boys find themselves in a small town in South Dakota where they meet Don - an angel with a proposition... Don sends them a very long way from home, on a mission to uncover the secret Satan never wanted them to find out.

I enjoyed this one.  It can be hard to capture TV characters, but I think this novel does a pretty good job.  I am going to start at the beginning of these novels and work through them as I re-watch the show in preparation for Season 15.  I will so miss this show.

Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fascinating world and concept! I was so caught up in this story and addicted to these characters. Jennifer L. Armentrout can do no wrong, as far as I'm concerned.

This is an unusual take on angels and demons that focuses far more on Wardens, which are gargoyles come to life. And oh, my goodness, do I need a gargoyle, stat. Holy mother of all that is sexy and brutal.

This book will definitely cross appeal to both the YA crowd and the NA crowd. I think it is a must purchase for all collections serving those audiences, and while there is a solid wrap up and conclusion to book one, I still can't wait to get my hands on book two.

This is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a bit of forbidden romance tucked in between vicious demon attacks. There's also some good humor with this story, and Trinity, the MC, is very strong, determined, and impulsive. She gets herself into scrape after scrape, because she doesn't allow a group of men to dictate what she should do or who she should be. I really enjoyed her.

I meant to post this review yesterday, when the book was released, but I was delayed by unexpected house guests (oops!). Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

Pages: 512