Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Read In 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week, we'll make a list of our top ten something, and this week, it's the Top Ten Books I Read in 2013. 

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I'm so glad I read this book, it was really enjoyable and I was surprised at how much I liked it. I really recommend it if you haven't read it yet! A perfect holiday read! 

My Review

2. Speechless by Hanna Harrington

This is such an inspiring read, very light, witty and enjoyable! 

My Review

3. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

I'm a big fan of this series, though I had some issues with some of the books, it's an awesome series overall and such an experience to read for the first time! I'm so excited for City of Heavenly Fire, the last book in the series, to be released May 2014! 

City of Bones Review

City of Ashes Review

City of Glass Review

City of Fallen Angels Review

City of Lost Souls Review

4. Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Such a good paranormal-romance read! Get on it!

My Review

5. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

The first in the amazing prequel spin-off trilogy to The Mortal Instruments, it's a great read, set in the same world, but with new (and hot) characters, along with a suspenseful plot that keeps the pages turning! 

My Review

6. The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Third in the spin-off series to the epic Vampire Academy series, this was an amazing read and I hope the series continues as this one did. I'm looking forward to reading The Fiery Heart soon! 

My Review

7. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

If you enjoyed the film, you'll love the book! A great read.

My Review

8. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

This is a great eye-opening and inspiring read that will be sure to melt even the coldest of hearts! 

My Review 

(includes movie review)

9. The Simple Gift by Steven Herrick

This is a short read, more of a poetry based book, about a boy who runs away from home to escape the abuse of his alcoholic father and befriends an old homeless man and falls in love with a rich, beautiful girl in the process. Surprisingly sweet and lovely, a book to read from cover to cover on a Friday night in! 

10. Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

The conclusion to the fantastic Hush, Hush saga. One of my favourite series and definitely the best of the fallen angel-themed books out there in YA Fiction! 

My Review

That's all for this week, I hope you've enjoyed my list! Let me know in the comments which of the books listed here you enjoyed or didn't enjoy and if I left any good ones out, I'm sure there's heaps! Remember to leave me links to all your TTT lists so I can check them out! Also, don't forget to +1 this post if you thought it was worthy and subscribe to me to read more of my TTTs and reviews in the future! Thank you!! 

I would like to wish all my followers and readers a very Happy New Years, may 2014 be a safe and happy year for you! I look forward to meeting lots of new books next year that I can share with all of you and vice versa. 

Lots of love,

Melissa

Book Nerd & Critic.

Review: The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Title: The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Year of Release: 2010
ISBN: 9781406330342
Source: Purchased (The Book Depository, $13.16)
Number of Pages: 482

Summary:
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends and quickly realises that love may be the most dangerous magic of all. 

I loved this! I was so impressed after the fail that was City of Lost Souls. The characters were excellently portrayed, the settings wonderfully described and the events and plot sequences expertly placed. Witty, funny, entertaining, descriptive, suspenseful, plus lots of action, Clockwork Angel was an infinitely superb book! 

The characters were so wonderful to read about, their differing personalities made the book all the more entertaining and interesting. I was so pleased that Magnus Bane made a few appearances, he's awesome and I am in love with his character. We also saw a little bit of Camille Belcourt, and though she's not a particular favourite of mine, I still enjoyed the surprises of old characters appearing in this book.

While we're on the topic of characters, let's talk about Will, shall we? Will Herondale is a Shadowhunter residing in the London Institute. He has got his fair share of demons, and carries a superior air, never letting his walls down for anybody. When he meets Tessa, he is surprised by her ability to make him laugh and appears to fall for her, yet he continuously pushes her away. 

Then there's James Carstairs, or rather, Jem, who is the complete opposite of his best friend, hottie Will Herondale. He's kind, conscientious, always thinking about others and tries to help in any way he can in every situation. I fell for his character immediately. He's always cleaning up after Will, and Will is very protective of him, as Jem is hiding a dark secret that Tessa yearns to learn. 

As Tessa gets to know both boys, she finds herself growing inexplicably more and more towards Will, who tries to keep his distance from her, without realising Jem's feelings for her becoming increasingly obvious. I think it's clear at this point that the formation of a love triangle is in effect. Sucks for them, great for me! I adore love triangles and I haven't read about a good one since Twilight, so I'm really looking forward to this series. There was also a second love triangle in this book, though not much emphasis was placed upon it, it was there (Sophie - Thomas - Jem). 

Ah, so much unrequited love. 

I really enjoyed this book, possibly more than I enjoyed The Mortal Instruments, which is definitely saying something. The Infernal Devices series is sure to be an excellent trilogy if it continues as Clockwork Prince did. 

If I may propose an idea to Cassandra Clare book virgins. If you're yet to read The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices, you might want to read the first three TMI books (City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass), take a break and read TID trilogy, then read the last books of TMI. Just a suggestion, if I had've read the series' this way, I would have understood much more of the references and terms used in the last two TMI books. 

Let me know your thoughts on these series in the comments! 

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Bringing Me

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week, we'll make a list of our top ten something, and this week, it's the Top Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Bringing Me! Love this one, I actually made a list and gave it to my sister a few weeks ago. I said, "Buy me any books on this list and I'll love you forever." Of the ten on that list, she got me seven. Love her! Here's the ten books on that list:

1. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan 

2. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

3. Divergent by Veronica Roth

4. The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

5. Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

6. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey 

7. Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire 
(I'm allowed to have 2 in 1 ok)

8. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

9. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

10. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

That's all for this week guys, I hope you've enjoyed my list! Please comment which of the books listed here you like/don't like and link me to your TTT lists so I can check them out! Before I go, I would like to wish all my followers and readers a very Merry Christmas, may your day be filled with love, laughter, family, friends, presents, and food! I love you all! Looking forward to another year with you all! 
Kisses and hugs,
Melissa
Book Nerd & Critic. 

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
The Mortal Instruments: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

CHECK OUT THE GUEST POST (CHARITY AND RAFFLE EVENT) RECENTLY POSTED ON B N & C:
Guest Post: Kindle Fire HD Raffle for Charity!

Review: The Mortal Instruments: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Title: The Mortal Instruments: City of Lost Souls
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Year of Release: 2012
ISBN: 9781406339147
Source: Purchased (Myer, $14.95*)
Number of Pages: 539

Summary: 
Jace is now a servant of evil, bound for all eternity to Sebastian. Only a small band of Shadowhunters believe he can be saved. To do this they must defy the Clave. And they must act without Clary. For Clary is playing a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace's soul. Clary is willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

I wasn't too impressed with this book to be completely honest. It still had a great storyline and I did enjoy it overall, but honestly, this series has really started to bore me. It might just be that I need to read something different, something refreshing, but I can still tell the difference between a good book and a bad book, and while City of Lost Souls is definitely NOT a bad book, it's certainly not a good one either. If it were up to me, I would have ended the series after City of Glass. That book was excellent and the ending to it felt like the perfect ending for the series. While the book that followed, City of Fallen Angels wasn't terrible, it still didn't measure up. Neither did this book. 

(Spoilers ahead)

This instalment to me, drained on and on and on and on while it was constantly flicking back and forth between Team Magnus, Alec, Isabelle and Simon as they tried desperately to get their hands on a weapon that would sever the bond between Jace and Sebastian, and Team Sebastian, Jace and Clary as they traveled from city to city working on some evil, diabolical plan, that we don't even find out the content of which until the end of the book. I did enjoy some of the new characters that were introduced though, like the Iron Sisters and Azazel (HELLO WEREWOLF), and the Raziel-summoning was also really enjoyable! The book also still managed to make me laugh outright more than once, usually the result of the wit of Magnus and/or Simon, which I was glad for. 

It was thoroughly predictable though. I mean, who didn't see the whole Clary-save-Jace thing coming? And while I'm a big supporter of Magnus's and Alec's relationship, in this book, it was just the same old problems from the last couple of books and then by the end of it, they break up. Well, it's not like we didn't see that coming either. 

For the most part, City of Lost Souls was slow. For the majority of the book, nothing of interest seemed to be happening and it severely lacked the two main things I look for in a novel of this kind: suspense and action. There was hardly none of it. The end battle scene wasn't nearly as good as I'd hoped it would be. It was disappointing. 

It's made me less excited for the final book in this series, City of Heavenly Fire, which is to be released in May 2014. If there's one thing I can give this book credit for, it's the end cliffhanger. Sebastian leaves a note of sorts at the Institute, informing them that he is coming. Great. So there's a war coming. Well, luckily we were informed of this about 3985873 times throughout the course of this book, otherwise I never would have guessed. 

Drop me some comments on your thoughts on this series! Did you like City of Lost Souls? Are you excited for the next book? Let me know! 

Guest Post: Kindle Fire HD Raffle for Charity!

I'm very polite by nature, even the voices in my head let each other finish their sentences. From Completely Flappable

Don't you just hate it when you have a thousand little thoughts rattling around your brain, good for nothing but keeping you up at night? Ideas, worries, mental reminders for the next day? My voices can get pretty insistent, and mostly this is a nuisance, but sometimes it's okay, when there's a story idea or two among the ramblings. And rarely, very rarely, I get what I think is a really good idea, but one that I don't know what to do with.

For instance, a while ago it occurred to me that it's probably not governments or big corporations that wield the world's greatest financial power. I think it's us. All the little people together. Then I started wondering what could happen if we all decided to set 1 month of our incomes aside towards fixing this place up a bit. How many of the world's problems could we actually solve permanently? Half of them, maybe? All of them? That's a pretty cool picture.

But I'm a pretty dim light when it comes to implementing even small ideas, never mind the big ones. So I'm not sure how to get that ball rolling (heck, I'm not even sure where we keep the balls). But I can certainly start with myself. That's easy enough (I've been in close contact with myself for years; I didn't have much trouble convincing myself.)

So, this December, all proceeds of all my novels will go to Child Helpline International. The CHI is pretty cool because they support toll-free child helplines worldwide and they help highlight gaps in child protection systems. They do all this on donations (click the image below for more information.)


But what does all this have to do with you? Well, I'm raffling off some prizes and giving out some freebees to boost the donation (expenses out of my own pocket, not the donation :P )

So what's in it for you, besides that warm, fuzzy feeling you'll get knowing the Xmas presents you're buying include an automatic donation? Well, how about I give you the new edition to the award winning No Hope for Gomez saga completely free?
And how about a Kindle Fire HD raffle ticket with every purchase while we're at it?
Simply forward your receipt emails to nohopeforgomez@gmail.com to participate.

And now, on to the pitch. This is the bit where I try to convince you, using only my words, that my novels don't suck (or at least, not too much.) That they won't only tickle your brain, but they'll actually make your life better, if only marginally. That they are, in fact, worthy donation material. Here goes (fingers crossed)...

Paper: $6.08 Kindle:$2.99 (uk paper, kindle)

No Hope for Gomez! Winner of the Forewords Book of the Year Awards, featured on Kirkus Best Indie List 2011, IBA and USA Book News Award nominee. It's the age-old tale:   Boy meets girl.   Boy stalks girl.   Girl already has a stalker.   Boy becomes her stalker-stalker. We've seen it all before, many times, but this time it's different. If only slightly.

"Extremely witty writing containing keen insights into human nature." --California Chronicle
"Challenges the way we think about, and interact with, the world around us." --Kirkus Discoveries
"The antics in this book will leave the reader laughing. Graham Parke is a genius."--Reader's Favorite

Unspent Time Warning: reading this novel may make you more attractive and elevate your random luck by about 9.332%* (*These statements have not been evaluated by anyone of consequence) Permeating the cracks between the past and the present is the realm of Unspent Time. Time that was allotted but never spent. In this realm we find the stories that could have been true. Such as the story of the designer of the color scheme used inside your shoe, or the story of Goki Feng Ho: the Chinese art of decoding the secret meaning of car license plates.

Paper: $6.08 Kindle:$2.99 ePub : $2.99 (uk paper, kindle)

Captivating. Each story fired up my imagination. --Alan H. Jordan, author.
"Delightfully mad. Graham's vibrant characters shine from the first page." --Tahlia Newland, author.

Free with this event

Completely Flappable He's completely flappable! Don't you mean he's unflappable? Not really. He can very easily be flapped. Gomez has never been on a date. In his 27 years on the planet he's never been able to quite close the deal. For some reason, circumstances always conspire to make his meet-ups with women less than official dates. But now a blond German girl with freckles has moved into his building and he decides it's time to get his act together.

If you've read this far, you're already my hero ;)
I hope you like my idea enough to join me in this fun adventure. Let's see how much we can raise this Xmas ;)

Kind regards,

Graham Parke

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten 2014 Releases I'm Dying To Read

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week, we'll make a list of our top ten something, and this week, it's the Top Ten 2014 Releases I'm Dying To Read. 

1. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
If you've been following my reviews recently, you'll understand why I'm so excited for this one! The conclusion to the amazing Mortal Instruments series! And as if these books weren't already doing enough damage to my sanity, the poster for this book states 'WHO WILL SURVIVE?' How about no.

2. Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead
Bloodlines #5. While I'm yet to read The Fiery Heart, I am so into this series! It's amazing!

3. Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater
This is not the next book in the series, as The Wolves of Mercy Falls was a trilogy that ended, it is a standalone companion book that follows Cole St. Clair, my absolute favourite character from this series! He kind of reminds me of Adrian Ivashkov, in a way, so I think you can understand my excitement for this book!

4. Half Bad by Sally Green
It's about witches and stuff. Enough said. 

5. A Breath of Frost by Alyxandra Harvey
Her book Haunting Violet was amazing, I love her writing, and this series sounds awesome!

6. Strange Sweet Song by Adi Rule
This mystery sound so good! I suggest you look this one up on Goodreads and read the description because it sounds incredible!

7. Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This psychological thriller/mystery is bound to get hearts racing! The cover art is gorgeous and it sounds like a fantastic read! 

8. Death of the Mad Hatter by Sarah J. Pepper
Another book with amazing cover art! This is a retelling of the classic Alice in Wonderland, one of my absolute favourite childhood stories! I can't wait to read this!

9. Searching for Beautiful by Nyrae Dawn
A YA Contemporary about moving on from the past and accepting your future. I'm craving some good YA Contemporary. 

10. Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott
This one sounds so interesting! Tella Holloway has the opportunity to participate in an epic race to win the Cure for her brother's illness. However there's no guarantee that she'll survive the race, especially when all the other contenders are after the same Cure for their loved ones. 

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
The Mortal Instruments: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Review: The Mortal Instruments: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Title: The Mortal Instruments: City of Fallen Angels
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Year of Release: 2011
ISBN: 9781406328660
Source: Purchased (Myer, $14.95*)
Number of Pages: 424

Summary:Clary is back in New York and life is good: she's training to be a Shadowhunter and is finally able to call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. When Jace inexplicably begins to pull away from her, Clary is forced to acknowledge that she has set herself in a motion of chain events that could lead to the loss of everything she loves. Even Jace. 
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever...

The fourth instalment in the New York Times Bestselling Series The Mortal Instruments, City of Fallen Angels had a lot to deliver on after the amazingness that was City of Glass and I was definitely not disappointed. Once again, Clare has written another brilliant novel with just as much action, adventure and suspense as the last few books, if not more. 
(SPOILERS) City of Fallen Angels takes place just several weeks after the last book concluded and our characters are back in New York, trying to resemble some kind of normalcy to their otherwise unstable lives. Alec and Magnus have taken a holiday to various places around the world together, leaving still-adjusting-vampire Simon, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Jocelyn and Luke to get back to their old lives. Luke and Jocelyn have finally accepted their love for each other and are busy with their wedding preparations. Simon, while still adjusting to his vampire status, is now having trouble sorting out his relationships with both Isabelle and Maia. Meanwhile, Jace is being plagued by horrible nightmares that threaten to ruin his relationship with Clary. 
This book introduces us to a few new characters, as well as resurfacing some old ones (wink face). The consequences of Simon bearing the Mark of Cain are revealed in greater detail, which therefore leads to the discovery of someone that holds the potential to put everyone Clary cares about in jeopardy. 
But I don't want to talk about that. I want to talk about how hot and steamy Jace and Clary got a few times! My goodness did they get down (in excruciating detail). Scenes such as the one where (SPOILER) the two kiss in the alley and it's raining and they're both so desperate for each other was very much anticipated by the fandom, I can tell you that. 
Against the backdrop of their romance however, evil dark creatures are rising up and threatening to destroy everything they have worked so hard for. The ending of the book was the biggest cliffhanger in the entire series so far in my opinion, and I just want to wrap up this review as quickly as I can and start the next book! This might be a good time to mention, in case you haven't already noticed, that it's difficult to jump into this series without starting from the beginning. So if you're going to read this series, start from the very start or you'll find yourself more confused than... (fails to find suitable comparison). 
Despite all of the amazing things that can be said about this book and the series it belongs to, I dare say I found the book to be kind of lagging behind in story-line and plot as the previous books. While the action and suspense was certainly there, I felt like Clare was dragging on the series with this book. Old problems that we were made to think had been resolved in City of Glass were brought up again but this time they lacked any real substance. However, I think the ending definitely managed to redeem this book, so kudos.

*Prices relevant to Australian stores.

Review: The Mortal Instruments: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Title: The Mortal Instruments: City of Glass
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Year of Release: 2009
ISBN: 9781406322873
Source: Purchased (Myer, $14.95)*
Number of Pages: 541 (this edition)

Summary: Amid the chaos of war, the Shadowhunters must decide to fight with the vampires, werewolves and other Downwolders - or against them. Meanwhile, Jace and Clary have their own decision to make: should they pursue the love they know is forbidden? 

What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said? Funny, quirky, colourful, vibrant, expressive and emotional, City of Glass is an amazing read. I haven't been so completely immersed in a book for a long time, even while I was reading the first two instalments of this riveting series. I finished this book close to a week ago and have been sitting on the early drafts of this review ever since, questioning what I could possibly say that would portray this book in the light it deserves. I can tell you to start reading this series and I can tell you again and again how enjoyable it is, but at the end of the day, I don't think there is anything I can say that would convince you of how truly genius and superb this book series is, City of Glass in particular. 
One of the things I love most about this book is the protagonist, Clary Fray. She displays excellent qualities throughout the book; determination, perseverance, courage, kindness, and strength being a few. 
Jace is just gorgeous, even when he's being a smart-ass. He's so incredibly endearing and his love-hate friendship with Simon is just so funny and their verbal fights are so entertaining.
The summary I regurgitated from the back of my copy of this book doesn't really provide much of an insight into what the book is about, so I'm going to recap it from memory. (CAUTION: SPOILERS AHEAD!)
To find a cure for her mother's coma, Clary travels by portal to Idris, Alicante, otherwise known as the City of Glass. She aims to find a warlock called Ragnor Fell who may know something about about the cure and where to find it. While working through her complicated feelings about Jace, the boy she fell in love with before finding out about their sibling status, a minor courtship begins between herself and a new character called Sebastian. He's pleasant, intelligent and friendly, and everyone is satisfied with his charms. Everyone except Jace. Meanwhile, vampire Simon has been thrown in prison by the shadowhunters of Idris who are perplexed and somewhat suspicious about his ability to walk in sunlight. Somewhere, Valentine is plotting a scheme so big it could mean the extinction of all shadowhunters and life as the shadow-hunting world knows it. To thwart his evil plans, Clary is called upon to harness her dangerous, newfound powers, unlikely alliances are formed, and Jace and Clary must make their own individual heartbreaking decisions as the secrets of the past are revealed and Valentine's threat of war looms above them.
City of Glass was jam-packed with suspense, action and adventure, beautifully written and perfectly structured. One of my favourites of the whole series! Possibly the best fantasy series since Harry Potter. 
Cassandra Clare is an amazing writer and I highly recommend this series.

*Prices relevant to Australian stores.

Review: The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Title: The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Year of Release: 2008
ISBN: 9781406318494
Source: Purchased (Myer, $14.95)*
Number of Pages: 411 (this edition)

Summary: 
With her mother in a coma and her father hellbent on destroying the world, Clary Fray is dragged deeper into New York City's terrifying underworld of werewolves, demons and the mysterious Shadowhunters. Discovering the truth about her past was only the beginning. Now the fate of the world rests on Clary's shoulders, but can she master her new-found powers and control her feelings for a boy who can never be hers?

Note:
Before I begin this review, I need to apologise to all my followers and readers of this blog for being so slack in posting ANYTHING for the last few months. I am so sorry! With work, illness and many personal issues that I can't write here, I haven't exactly had much time for reading or blogging. Despite this though, I am really looking forward to getting back to doing the things I love, including writing and maintaining this blog. Thank you all so much for sticking by me and I promise to deliver soon! If any of you have any concerns/questions, you know where to contact me!

~

I finished reading City of Ashes last night (finally) and once again found myself incredibly satisfied with the content of this book, just as I was with the last one. Clare once again delivers an amazing story, not only building upon the last, but creating so many new twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout the entire book. She really wasn't scared to experiment with my emotions in this book, either. Reading this book for the first time is similar to a roller-coaster ride, taking you up with the joy and humour and laughs, and back down and upside down with the transformations, deaths and love and romance outcomes. 
New characters are introduced, old ones re-emerge, current ones are built upon, and Clary and Jace just need to get nakey already!  As I mentioned in my review of City of Bones, this is a book series suitable for people of all ages. There is something for everyone and every reader's interest; love, love triangles, intense and dramatic fight/battle scenes, supernatural powers and entities... everything a good and captivating series needs is captured in The Mortal Instruments. 
One of the things I love most about this series is the character diversity. There are so many different people and it makes the books so interesting. I don't mean species diversity here, though there is plenty of that, I mean individual character diversity. Differences in sexuality, personality, age, gender, race, it's so incredibly heterogeneous and keeps it entertaining. 
There is nothing I love more than an author that is not afraid to experiment with his/her writing and Cassandra Clare is definitely one of those authors. Though it is arguably damaging to my mental health, Clare kept the book going at a fast-paced speed and incorporated something surprising into almost every chapter. Never a dull moment. Clare's  skilful descriptions of the supernatural creatures and demons is enough to keep even the most toughest of tough reader's hearts beating at insane speeds. Her incredible amount of detail in these parts of the book are beautifully written, yet somewhat disturbing at the same time. I found the fact that I was genuinely grossed and freaked out at the same time as a sign of a good writer. 
To elaborate on this, one of my biggest book pet peeves is when authors fail to write end battle scenes properly and ruin the entire the book. Fight scenes that are supposed to be intense and all-consuming often fall short of these expectations, however this is not the case with Cassandra Clare. She writes brilliantly and her descriptions were perfect enough to bring tears to my eyes and have me feeling genuinely anxious and worried about my characters! 
The ending used a fantastic cliffhanger and now has me so excited for book three, City of Glass. 

Links:
Read my review of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones here!
Visit Cassandra Clare's official website here
Find more information on the upcoming film of City of Ashes here

*Prices relevant to Australian stores

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Wish Could Have Had Sequels

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week, we'll make a list of our top ten something* and this week, it's our Top Ten Books I Wish Could Have Had Sequels.
*In no particular order
1. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
This was such a genius book with a fantastic plot line, perhaps a sequel with more detail about Pi's life after he was rescued, meeting his wife, how they fell in love, adjusting to a family life without his family... It would make a really great story.
2.Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey
I loved this book so much, I would really enjoy a sequel! It would be one of those books I would immediately buy, no questions asked. 
3. Saving June by Hannah Harrington
Haven't I talked about this one enough for you guys to know how much I adore it?
4. Speechless by Hannah Harrington
Again, this was such a great book, I would love a sequel just to see how the love story of this book evolves.
5. The Eternal Ones by Kristen Miller
I loved this book and it's concept so so much. It focused on reincarnation and was really well-written. Though I think it ended well, I would love to read more!
6. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
A sequel without Augustus just wouldn't be right, but I loved Hazel and Isaac so much, I think this book could have a sequel, but even so, it's one of the best stand-alone books out there, so maybe a sequel would ruin it. 
7. Love You Two by Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli
I read this book a while ago, but I really liked it and the issues it addressed. I loved some of the characters, I would definitely read the sequel if there was one.

That's all for this week guys, sorry I couldn't get ten, but I read a lot of books that are parts of series and not so many stand-alone ones. Please leave me links to all your TTTs so I can check them out and let me know in the comments the ones on my list you did or didn't agree with! Please +1 this post if you thought it was worthy and follow me to read more of my TTTs and future reviews. Thanks guys. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Beginnings/Endings In Books

**THERE WILL BE MAJOR SPOILERS IN THIS POST** 

Don't continue reading if you are currently reading or are going to read the following: Haunting Violet, Evernight, The Fault In Our Stars, Fallen, The Hunger Games. PARTICULARLY: City of Bones, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Hush, Hush, Breaking Dawn, Linger.

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week, we'll make a list of our top ten something* and this week, it's our Top Ten Favourite Beginnings/Endings In Books. I'm splitting this in half here and am going to give you five of my fave beginnings and five of my fave endings.
*In no particular order

BEGINNINGS
1. Haunting Violet - When Violet arrives at the train station and Colin rescues her from some pervert boys
Loved, loved, loved this book, such a great read and captivating from the very beginning. 
My review
2. Evernight - When Bianca tries to run away from her parents and meets Lucas
It was fate. This was one of the best scenes in the entire series and their relationship began at that precise moment, even if they didn't realise it. 
My review
3. The Fault In Our Stars - When Hazel meets Augustus for the first time
Okay, not really the beginning but close. How could I not include this?
My review
4. Fallen - When Daniel flips Luce off
Haha! Though it was confusing and weird when it happened, it was a really funny part of the story and we find out later why he treated her like that. It's actually pretty cute. 
My review
5. The Hunger Games - When Katniss uses herself as tribute in place of Prim
Love those heroine moments. 
My review

ENDINGS
1. City of Bones - When Jace is Clary's brother
One of the biggest literary shocks of my life. Who would have guessed that could have been possible?! Blew my mind, it did. 
My review
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - When Voldermort dies & the nineteen years later part
It was the perfect ending to this series! I loved it and cried like a baby for about three hours. 
3. Hush, Hush - When Patch chooses Nora over getting his feelings back
True love at it's finest. Patch gives up something he desperately wants to be with Nora and saves her life in the process. He chooses her over himself and the very end of this book was... sexy. 
My review
4. Breaking Dawn - When Bella lets Edward read her mind
Such a romantic part of the series, and one of the most iconic too. They relive all their memories that made them who they are and it's just basically beautiful.
5. Linger - When Grace is a werewolf
Didn't see that coming. 
My review

That's all for this week guys, I hope you've enjoyed my list! Please leave me links to all your TTTs in the comments below and let me know what you agreed with and what I missed in this post.
Remember to +1 this post if you think it was worthy and subscribe to me to read more of my TTTs and future reviews! :)