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.

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

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

Will and Tessa's stories continue! Well, through their kids but I'll take it. Loving the Edwardian times, shadowhunter shenanigans, and unrequited romance freaking everywhere.

Pages: 624

Shades of Wicked (Night Rebel #1). By Jeaniene Frost, Narrator: Tavia Gilbert.

Shades of Wicked (Night Rebel #1). By Jeaniene Frost, Narrator: Tavia Gilbert. 2018. HarperAudio. ISBN-13: 9780062695628 (Unabridged audiobook, 8 hrs, 51 mins).

Wit and sexy times meet high stakes as Ian and Veritas hunt down a demon who has done them both wrong.

A fan of vampires? Definitely read this wildly entertaining installment in the Night Huntress world, but first; go read Vlad and Leila’s Night Prince series (Don’t worry, it’s an excellent series). Why? The Night Rebel is a spin off and the main plot point of Shades of Wicked began and was left hanging in Into the Fire (Night Prince #4).

Page-turner, Witty, Action-packed, Romantic, Unpredictable, Entertaining, Great world building, Steamy, Wonderful characters, Great narration

384 pages

Wicked Bite (Night Rebel #2). By Jeaniene Frost.

Wicked Bite (Night Rebel #2). By Jeaniene Frost. 2020. Avon. ISBN-13: 9780062695635 (Paperback).

Wicked Bite picks up where Shades of Wicked left off. Book #1 set a high bar and Frost delivers on the action, suspense, Ian’s one-liners, and of course, the sexy times. But Veritas’s internal monologues about her past and half-demigod nature did make it feel like those parts of the book could have been tightened up.

I had expected this book to wrap up the series, but a new plot line came to visit Veritas at the end and I’m looking forward to next adventure for these two crazy kids.

Page-turner, Witty, Action-packed, Romantic, Unpredictable, Entertaining, Great world building, Steamy, Wonderful characters

371 pages

Hero’s Haven (Dark Protectors #11). By Rebecca Zanetti.

Hero’s Haven (Dark Protectors #11). By Rebecca Zanetti. 2020. Lyrical Press (ARC eBook).

For centuries, vampire-demon hybrid, Quade Karys, has been in another dimension, far away from Earth and his family. As a member of The Seven, his purpose was to keep a dangerous enemy imprisoned within a pocket between worlds. But just as Quade feels his body and mind failing and succumbing to delusions of a beautiful woman that visits him, the dimension collapses. He is saved by his beautiful stranger by traveling back to Earth through a portal of her creation. Now, he and Haven Daly are being are being pursued by Ulric’s followers, who want to use Haven’s abilities to return Ulric to Earth.

Quade’s reintegration into a world he has long been parted from leads to some humorous scenes, especially his discovered fondness for eating mint toothpaste. And as the two search for the surviving members of Quade’s family, Haven discovers that she is a part of a world she never knew existed; one that has vampires, demons, shifters, fae and more. All the while, the two of them have to adjust to each other and Haven is as stubborn as Quade is overprotective.

The world Zanetti has created is full of action, romance and humor that will keep readers coming back to this series.

306 pages

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Second book in the Mortal Instrument series reread. Love seeing the Jace/Simon friendship start to blossom whether the characters know it or not. Clare is still a bit choppy in the writing department at this time, but I love the characters and the action is well written.

Pages: 453

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

Kissed by a Dark Prince (Eternal Mates #1). By Felicity Heaton.

Kissed by a Dark Prince (Eternal Mates #1). By Felicity Heaton. 2013. Felicity Heaton. ASIN: B00GSQJNJO (Kindle).

Injured and left disoriented in the human realm by his enemy, Loren unknowingly initiates a bond between himself and the beautiful woman he bites in an attempt to heal himself. The existence of such a bond reveals Olivia as Loren’s eternal mate, but with his kingdom under threat, the dark elf prince decides that he has found her at a most inopportune time.

As a research scientist at the demon-hunting organization Archangel, Olivia would rather study the dark elf than risk her heart. Not willing to pull Olivia into the crossfire of his ancient feud in the fae realm, Loren agrees to work with her in order to find a way to break the bond. Too bad fate has other plans for them.

Heaton’s first installment in the Eternal Mates series has the promising beginnings of intricate world building and mythology. The secondary characters are also woven into the story well, with set ups for their own stories that do not feel tacked on. I look forward to the rest of the series.

283 pages

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.