Tag: Young Adult (Page 12 of 157)

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: 10 Truths and a Dare by Ashley Elston

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: 10 Truths and a Dare by Ashley Elston

I’m so excited to be on the tour for 10 Truths and a Dare! I absolutely loved and adored this story! So check out my 5 Star Review below and enter to win a copy of this book! Enjoy!♥

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: 10 Truths and a Dare by Ashley Elston10 Truths and a Dare by Ashley Elston
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

This companion to Ashley Elston's beloved 10 Blind Dates follows Sophie's high-achieving cousin Olivia as she juggles last-minute P.E. credit, end-of-year parties, and a secret new romance in the chaotic week before graduation.

It's Senior Party Week, that magical in-between time after classes have ended but before graduation, chock-full of gimmicky theme parties, last-minute bonding, and family traditions. Olivia couldn't be more ready. Class salutatorian and confident in her future at LSU, she's poised to sail through to the next phase of her life.
But when the tiny hiccup of an unsigned off-campus P.E. form puts Olivia in danger of not graduating at all, she has one week to set things straight without tipping off her very big and very nosy extended family.

Volunteering to help at a local golf tournament should do it, but since Olivia's mom equipped her phone with a tracking app, there'll be no hiding the fact that she's at the golf course instead of all the graduation parties happening at the same time. Unless, that is, she can convince the Fab Four--her ride-or-die cousins and best friends Sophie, Charlie, and Wes--to trade phones with her as they go through the motions of playing Olivia for the week.

Praise for 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston:
2020 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers Top Ten Title
2020 Florida Teens Read Book List

"POSITIVELY DELIGHTFUL—all caps—from beginning to end."—NPR

"This piece-by-piece romance doesn't need its Christmas theme to sell, but it makes it glitter all the more."—Booklist

"A fun story of finding love, getting to know yourself, and getting to know your family."—Kirkus Reviews

"In a funny holiday romance that has Sophie dog-sitting in a hockey rink, watching porn at a drive-in theater, and playing the Virgin Mary in a middle school Nativity, Elston cleverly reflects the family members' personalities through their choices of dates for Sophie."—Publishers Weekly

Review:

10 Truths and a Dare was impossible not to devour in one sitting!  Charm, humor, family, friendship and romance were laced throughout the pages and I loved every minute of it.  If you’re looking for a beachy read or a feel good, heart-warming story then this is the book for you!  It became an instant favorite and I have a feeling fans of YA romance will fall in love with 10 Truths and a Dare too.

Truth #1: If something happens but your nonna doesn’t find out about it and tell the whole family, then it didn’t really happen

I had already fallen madly in love with these characters in 10 Blind Dates.  Oh how I have missed this huge family and their dynamics, I love them so much!  In this story, it’s senior week and Olivia is ready to celebrate with all of her classmates before she gives her speech as their salutatorian.  Yet there’s one tiny problem.  Olivia is short a half credit, from her off campus PE class, and can’t graduate without it.  With the help of her best friends, surely she can make it up.  Yet what unfolds is definitely more challenging than she ever thought it would be!

Remember that time Olivia almost didn’t graduate because she screwed up golf?  Four years whittled down to one sentence.
This will not be my legacy.

I loved Olivia with my whole heart.  She was kind, thoughtful, loved her family and was so relatable.  She sometimes stacked too much on her plate, but she always had her best friends at her side to cheer her on.  With her mom out of town, and constantly tracking Olivia’s every move on her phone, she needed help babysitting her phone while she made up her credit at the golf course.  Her cousins Charlie and Sophie, along with Sophie’s boyfriend/Charlie’s best friend Wes stepped in to help Olivia with her problem.

“This is a bad idea,” I say, when Sophie’s car pulls away from the curb.
“We’re full of bad ideas. So what’s one more?”

Olivia, Charlie, Sophie and Wes were the Fab Four and I loved their connection.  Their moments together reminded me of the comfort I get watching my favorite show Friends.  They just felt like home to me and were so real.  Their love and friendship for each other ran so deep; they always had each other’s backs.  Their moments together had me laughing out loud and I couldn’t stop smiling.  This group was SO much fun and each one of them easily captured my heart!

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t driving me nuts that I’m keeping your secret but I don’t know why.” His voice is a near whisper.
My eyes stay glued to my phone. “I’m okay with you lying.”
I have a smirk. I can feel it. I cannot make it go away.

And then there was Leo.  He was a family friend to Olivia’s evil twin cousins.  So even though I was intrigued by him, he willingly associated with them.  If you’ve read 10 Blind Dates you’ll understand my animosity towards her twin cousins, the drive-in….I just can’t even lol.  So Leo should feel tainted, right?!  But oh my goodness you guys, I loved Leo.  He captured my heart so easily.  He gave me butterflies and I couldn’t help smiling anytime he was near.  That’s all I’m saying, but I dare you not to fall for Leo!

Dare #1: Tell the truth

10 Truths and a Dare touched a piece of my heart.  This story was filled with warmth and love, but I also had tears too.  I loved how this story unfolded, I loved all of the emotions it pulled from me and I loved watching Olivia grow.  I finished this book in one sitting and it easily sailed onto my favorites list.  I can’t recommend it enough!

L: Maybe I’ll see you when he’s not around
She’s probably going to kill me for this.
ME:Come find me later – Charlie with Olivia’s phone haha

PS I would love for Charlie to have his own story!  I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters.  And the moments we got to spend with Charlie, like when he was watching over Olivia’s phone, he leaped from the pages!  Keeping my fingers crossed!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Goodreads I Amazon I Kindle I Audible I B&N I iBooks I Kobo I TBD I Bookshop.org

 

About Ashley Elston:

Ashley Elston is the author of several novels including: 10 Blind Dates (a Top Ten ALA Quick Pick and the companion to this book), The Rules for Disappearing (a finalist in the Best Young Adult Novel category of the International Thriller Writers Thriller Awards), This Is Our Story, and The Lying Woods. She has a liberal arts degree from Louisiana State University in Shreveport and worked for many years as a wedding photographer before turning her hand to writing. Ashley lives in Shreveport with her husband and three sons. For more information about Ashley and her books, please visit www.ashleyelston.com.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of 10 TRUTHS AND A DARE, US Only.

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Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/1/2021

The Book View

Review

Week Two:

5/2/2021

What A Nerd Girl Says

Excerpt

5/3/2021

YA Books Central

Excerpt

5/4/2021

Fire and Ice

Review

5/5/2021

BookHounds YA

Excerpt

5/6/2021

YA Book Nerd

Review

5/7/2021

Lifestyle of Me

Review

5/8/2021

Moonlight Rendezvous

Review

Week Three:

5/9/2021

Jenguerdy

Review

5/10/2021

Ficticiouswonderland

Review

5/11/2021

Book-Keeping

Review

5/12/2021

Amani’s Reviews

Review

5/13/2021

booksaremagictoo

Review

5/14/2021

Eli to the nth

Review

5/15/2021

Emelie’s Books

Review

Week Four:

5/16/2021

Kait Plus Books

Excerpt

5/17/2021

Zainey Laney

Review

5/18/2021

onemused

Review

5/19/2021

Midnightbooklover

Review

5/20/2021

amandainpa

Review

5/21/2021

Geauxgetlit

Review

5/22/2021

two points of interest

Review

Week Five:

5/23/2021

Book Briefs

Review

5/24/2021

Momfluenster

Review

5/25/2021

Star-Crossed Book Blog

Review

5/26/2021

michellemengsbookblog

Review

5/27/2021

Rajiv’s Reviews

Review

5/28/2021

Do You Dog-ear?

Review

5/29/2021

Books and Zebras

Review

Week Six:

5/30/2021

My Fictional Oasis

Review

5/31/2021

Popthebutterfly

Review

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Immortal Game by Talia Rothschild & A.C. Harvey

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Immortal Game by Talia Rothschild & A.C. Harvey

I’m so excited to be on the tour for The Immortal Game! I’m a huge Greek Mythology fan and there was so much to love within these pages! Checkout my 4.5 Star Review below and enter to win a copy of this book! Enjoy ♥

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Immortal Game by Talia Rothschild & A.C. HarveyThe Immortal Game by Talia Rothschild & A.C. Harvey by Talia Rothschild, A.C. Harvey
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

An exiled goddess goes on a quest to clear her name and save Mount Olympus in Talia Rothschild & A C Harvey's action-packed young adult debut, The Immortal Game!

Galene, daughter of Poseidon, desperately wants to earn her place among the gods. But when a violent attack leaves Mount Olympus in chaos and ruins, she is accused of the crime. Banished from Olympus, Galene sets out to prove her innocence and discovers a more deadly plot―one that threatens even the oldest of Immortals.

Fortunately, she has allies who willingly join her in exile:

A lifelong friend who commands the wind.
A defiant warrior with deadly skill.
A fire-wielder with a hero’s heart.
A mastermind who plays life like a game.

All-out war is knocking at the gates. Galene and her friends are the only ones who can tip the scales toward justice, but their choices could save Olympus from total annihilation, or be the doom of them all.

Review:

The Immortal Game was an enthralling story that swept me away!  Trials, friendship, teamwork, and twists laced through the pages and made for such an exciting read!  If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, then you should definitely pick up this book.

I’m the reason they’re leaving, Galene thought with a heartthrob, and they’re more prepared for this than I am.

This story started off with heart pounding scenes that quickly pulled me in.  The children of the Gods and Goddesses had to battle a combination of mythological creatures that were terrifying.  Upon winning their Trial, they were granted eternal life.  But from Galene’s Trial, she was led down a path where she was accused of a deadly attack and banished from her home, Mount Olympus.  In a quest to prove her innocence she was joined by four others.  The journey and this group of outcasts had me turning the pages as fast as I could to see what happened next!

“Being a hero is about fighting for something bigger than yourself, despite the obstacles, despite the fear.” He caught her gaze again. “You did that for Galene. You do that every day.” – Braxtus and Iyana

My heart became attached so quickly to this group of outcasts.  We had Galene daughter of Poseidon, Iyana daughter of Zeus, Kostas son of Hermes, Braxtus son of Apollo and Demitri son of Ares.  With every step they took, it felt like there was an insurmountable obstacles in their way.  Not only was it physically challenging, and we got to watch the powers and gifts each of them had.  But it was also mentally taxing too.  They knew they had to work together, even if there were struggles between some of those in the group.  So I loved watching them learn to trust, put faith and try to have each other’s backs every step of the way.

She tumbled backward through the air.
And smiled.
Stretching her hands to either side, she unleashed the tempest inside her.

The story alternated between four of the characters and while that’s usually not my thing, I loved this format!  Each of them became that much more entrenched in my heart and I was shocked how equally invested I was in each of them!  My heart ached as they faced different fears and worked their way through personal struggles.  But from beginning to end they grew.  And the friendship between Galene and Iyana and Kostas and Braxtus warmed my heart.  On top of that, there were two different romances I was rooting for.  I don’t want to say anymore other than my heart was so, so, so happy with how it all turned out!  Plus I loved that this story made it feel as though I was watching a movie play before my eyes. 

Galene fell, a sob tearing from her lungs.
Gold ichor pooled around his head, his bare arms and legs stained with deep golden bruises. His eyes were closed, his lips parted, his body still.
She clawed her way to him, shuddering with sobs.

The Immortal Game led us down a path filled with peril and friendship!  If you love Greek Mythology, like I do, you’re going to fall head over heels in love with all of the elements that can be found in this tale.  From the characters, to their richly imagined world, to even the mythical creatures that nightmares were created from, so much can be found in these pages!  I was so happy that my favorite Gods, Goddesses and even creatures I was terrified of were included in this epic quest and battle.  This is a book I can’t wait for my littles to read and I think it would be a great transition for when they’re ready to step from MG to YA!

“Believe it or not, I still don’t want to hurt you.”
“Funny,” she growled. “Because I do.”
She pulled back and let a spike fly.

PS  While this is a standalone that ends absolutely fabulously, I can definitely see other stories panning out in this world in the future *fingers crossed*.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

 

About Talia Rothschild & A.C. Harvey:

Talia Rothschild, Italian American, is passionate about stories in many forms—music, dance, photography, film and, of course, great novels. She believes in thick hot chocolate and creamer in your tea. When she’s not happily writing, she’s mothering the sweetest baby girl and making memories with her husband. Her debut book The Immortal Game, coauthored with A. C. Harvey, hits the shelves May 2021.

Ashleigh Harvey is teaching high school physics and bringing her writing dreams to life. English-born and world-traveled, she loves filling her life with new adventures, such as visiting a new country or exploring the Wild West with her husband. She also finds escape in movies, music, literature, and yearly comic conventions. The Immortal Game is her debut novel, created alongside Talia Rothschild, her close friend.

 

Giveaway:


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BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary TingCode (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Behind enemy lines, new soldiers will emerge, and unexpected heroes will rise.

Ava is a prisoner. And she is not the only rebel held hostage at ISAN's secret compound. As she plans an escape, the lives of the rebel prisoners are in her hands, along with those she thought were dead.

Rhett and his team desperately search for Ava while one of the Remnant Council joins forces with another network looking for the creator of the Helix serum. And time is running out. Mr. Novak has been secretly creating an army called CODE, and what he plans for Ava will mean a permanent end to the rebels--and her.


Review:

CODE was a heart pounding addition to the ISAN series!  With a gritty and rugged story-line, that held a lot of heart, this book was impossible to put down!  If you’re a fan of YA or dystopian, then you definitely need to add this series to your tbr!

 “You are worth every gamble I took to find you.”

The story started off right where GENE ended, with Eva and Rhett separated and so many lives at stake.  I know this isn’t how I normally write my reviews but I have to talk about the twists first!  They were brilliant!  There was so much at play, the story played out ingeniously and my mind was blown.  I gasped out loud multiple times, screamed and kept whispering to myself this isn’t how the story was supposed to go.  I didn’t see multiple things coming. But looking back, ohhhhhh the clues were there, I just put the pieces of the puzzle together wrong. So hold on, because this story will take you on a wild and crazy ride!

Sometimes when one person couldn’t see the light, another had to carry the torch. I would carry that torch and make it brighter for the both of us. – Ava

CODE was told in multiple POVs again and we got to spend the majority of our time with Ava and Rhett. They have a forever place in my heart. I love how they’re both smart, brave, caring, fearless and would do anything for each other.  And watching their love grow stronger and deeper in each book?! My happiness soars when they can breathe for a moment and are together. They are the ultimate power couple! In CODE both of their emotions were put through the wringer but they each had the same end goal. To take Novak and ISAN down. I loved how Ava continually looked for Novak and Gene’s weak points and was defiant to their plans. With a psychopath for a brother and monster for a father, my heart continually bled for Ava. I longed for her to be back together with Rhett, for him to help her feel his love.

Too late. Too late. Too late. The words echoed with devastating finality. – Mitch

We also got to hear parts of the story from Mitch.  Oh how he has grown on me.  If you asked me in ISAN if I liked Mitch….oh wow, I would have laughed out loud and told you no.  He was such an arrogant jerk.  But there was more than meets the eye.  Mitch was cunning and smart.  He felt things deeply.  And in CODE he made friends and so much I can’t talk about other then I loved, loved, loved it! It was more than I ever could have hoped for.  I’m just as invested in Mitch’s life and happiness, as Ava and Rhett. And that terrifies me.  The position Mitch is in is beyond dangerous and I never know if this current moment will be his last.

Justine couldn’t believe her fate. Damned if she did, and damned if she didn’t.
How do I do the right thing when I’m so scared, Mitch?

Justine was another who we got to spend some time with. I hated her. And to put all of my cards on the table, I hated her for even a good portion of this book too haha.  But getting to hear a few chapters in Justine’s head?!  Oh you guys.  She wiggled her way into my heart. Curse her lol.  Justine even made me cry tears that couldn’t be stopped.  Sigh.  So good luck trying to ignore all of the feelings she’ll pull from you, because for me it was impossible to ignore.

We would fight for justice.
We would fight for peace.
We would bring the rest of ISAN down.

In addition, we got to spend a few chapters with Chancellor Josephine Chang who was beyond fascinating.  Her ties and connections.  What she did when she was not around Rhett, Ava, Zen or the public eye, WOW. There’s not much I can say other then I enjoyed the little time we got to spend with Chancellor Chang and I’m hoping for something to happen in her future, fingers crossed!

Something crunched under Rhett’s feet. He looked down to see … bones. Human bones?
“Is that…?” Zeke gasped.
Cleo’s eyes rounded and her lips parted to scream.

CODE had it all! Horrific plans were made, traps were set, people switched sides, impossible decisions were made and there was even sacrifice.  I had sweaty palms in multiple situations.  And new enemies we meet…..one of them is what nightmares are made of *shudders*. At the end of the day, I was terrified because I cared for too many people.  But I smiled so much and loved being back with these people that feel like family to me.  They are the ultimate squad that I want to be a part of! Rhett, Ava, Mitch, Brooke, Ozzie, Reyna, Momo and a few others, I kept hoping they would all survive!

We girls should lift each other up, support each other. We should ignite each other’s beautiful souls and not douse them in darkness. And that was the kind of friendship I had with some of the girls at the rebel base. – Ava

Coursing with adrenaline, CODE was impossible to put down!  And with love and friendship winding throughout the pages, it evened this book out perfectly.  So with a richly imagined world, characters that leapt off the pages and a story that kept you turning just one more page, this book easily became an instant favorite! Plus it ended at the perfect stopping and breathing point.  But I’ll definitely be counting down until that next book comes out, I can’t wait!

Two other quotes that I loved…

I took another step toward him and another as something hot bubbled inside me. “I felt a lot of pain the second I found out you were my brother. It’s like being told the devil shares your blood. Do you even know what that feels like? Do you have any feelings at all?”- Ava
 
“Why me?” Mitch frowned.
Russ offered a sly grin. “You’re good at scheming and deceiving. That’s what you do well.”
Mitch chuckled. “Did you just give me a compliment? Are we getting along?”
Russ cackled and tapped the screen to close. “I think it’s a start of a beautiful friendship. But seriously , we’re here so think fast.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order:
Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)


ISAN (International Sensory Assassin Network #1)
Review:
Jen

HELIX (International Sensory Assassin Network #2)
Review:
Jen

GENES (International Sensory Assassin Network #3)
Review:
Jen

CODE (International Sensory Assassin Network #3)
Review:
Jen

AVA (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
Review:
Jen

About Mary Ting:

International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, and swoon worthy stories. Her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.

Mary was born in Seoul Korea and resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two dogs—Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Becoming an author was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, she retired from teaching after twenty years.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / News update

BOOK REVIEW: Kingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked #1) by Kerri Maniscalco

BOOK REVIEW: Kingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked #1) by Kerri ManiscalcoKingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked #1)
by Kerri Maniscalco
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Two sisters.

One brutal murder.

A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself…

And an intoxicating romance.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe—witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin… desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost—even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked Princes of Hell that she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

Review

“Love is the most powerful magic. Above all else, remember that. It will always guide you where you need to go.” She dropped her hands and stepped back. “Now go, bambina. Go be brave. Your heart will conquer darkness. Trust in that.”

This book had NOT been on my radar at all until Chelsea mentioned how much she loved it and a few friends from a discord server I’m on had been recently raving about it. I saw that it was short, had nothing else to read, and decided to pick it up. Let me tell you, if these were the olden days of no children and no full time job, I would have finished this baby in less than a day. Regardless of the little time I had to read, I DEVOURED it. I had never read any of Maniscalco’s previous books so I was stunned to find how much I loved her writing style. It was all so descriptive and basically had my drooling with every single mention of Italian food and drink (which seems to be general consensus of every single person who read this book, lol).

“Maybe. It depends on how many customers we have and how late it gets. Honestly, I might just go home and try out some new recipes, or read.”
“Ah. Such a pious young woman, reading the Good Book.”

“Mmh.” I smiled down at my cutting board. The novel I was in the middle of was a good book, it just wasn’t the Good Book. I refrained from telling him about the last chapter I read—the one where the hero expressed his love in many colorful and physically astounding ways. I supposed, technically, his stamina could be considered miraculous. I’d certainly become a believer of impossible expectations.


When it came to the actual story itself I was just as pleased. I always find it interesting to read about how different authors go about portraying witches and other paranormal entities in a “real world” setting (I don’t know if I would call this urban fantasy as its set in an earlier time period???). Emilia, the main character, is what you might call a “good” witch??? Her Nonna has forbid her twin and her from practicing any kind of darker magic or from even THINKING about anything of that nature.

See next paragraph and lol at me.

“One day you might beg me to kiss you.”

Okay guys…lol I feel like an idiot right now but I wrote the top half of this review like at least a week ago and I have no idea where I had planned on going with it after having consumed several other books since finishing this one. Basically all I really want and need to say is that Wrath is grumpy and hot AF. I need him and Emilia together and I am so intrigued by how the next book is set up and what will happen. If you haven’t already, I urge you to check out Maniscalco’s Pinterest boards because the stuff she has pinned for #2 look dark and sexy as hell. “As hell” lol get it? Anyway I pretty annoyed with myself about not doing a great job reviewing this because I really did fly through it. The chemistry between Wrath and Emilia was sooooo so hot and I thought their connection via beautifully changing tattoo/ Emilia screwing up her summoning to be both hilarious and exactly how I needed them to be forced together. I want more, more, more.

As above, so below.

BOOK REVIEW: Chain of Iron (The Last Hours #2) by Cassandra Clare

BOOK REVIEW: Chain of Iron (The Last Hours #2) by Cassandra ClareChain of Iron (The Last Hours #2)
by Cassandra Clare
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Iron is a Shadowhunters novel.

Cordelia Carstairs seems to have everything she ever wanted. She’s engaged to marry James Herondale, the boy she has loved since childhood. She has a new life in London with her best friend Lucie Herondale and James’s charming companions, the Merry Thieves. She is about to be reunited with her beloved father. And she bears the sword Cortana, a legendary hero’s blade.

But the truth is far grimmer. James and Cordelia’s marriage is a lie, arranged to save Cordelia’s reputation. James is in love with the mysterious Grace Blackthorn whose brother, Jesse, died years ago in a terrible accident. Cortana burns Cordelia’s hand when she touches it, while her father has grown bitter and angry. And a serial murderer is targeting the Shadowhunters of London, killing under cover of darkness, then vanishing without a trace.

Together with the Merry Thieves, Cordelia, James, and Lucie must follow the trail of the knife-wielding killer through the city’s most dangerous streets. All the while, each is keeping a shocking secret: Lucie, that she plans to raise Jesse from the dead; Cordelia, that she has sworn a dangerous oath of loyalty to a mysterious power; and James, that he is being drawn further each night into the dark web of his grandfather, the arch-demon Belial. And that he himself may be the killer they seek.

Review

This is now the 18th book I’ve read by Cassandra Clare. What’s even crazier is that I have been reading about the Shadowhunter world for FOURTEEN YEARS. Her writing and her characters have been with me through some of my most formative years alive and these books have honestly been part of the reason why I am such a lover of long, drawn out series with books big enough to knock a person out (you know, if you were to use one as a weapon which I don’t condone lolll). The Infernal Devices made me feel ~things~ back in the day that I honestly didn’t even know books could elicit. Tessa was a kindred spirit who loved books as much as I did and Will Herondale was exactly the kind of broody boy with dark hair and blue eyes that I dreamed out endlessly. Once I was fully ensconced in this world, I knew there would never be a day that I wouldn’t want to immediately read the stuff she puts out.

However, I have lately noticed that as I grow older, the stuff just doesn’t hit in the same way it used to. In my opinion it’s not on Clare’s writing. I think that has improved with each book. Her writing still CONTINUOUSLY has me aching for the characters and wanting more. I mean, at this point I don’t know if there has been ONE single relationship that hasn’t been fraught with angst and somehow each of them is angsty in a new way??? Like how in the hell does she even do that?

I think the biggest “issue” for me is that back in the day when I had WAY LESS obligations, I was able to re-read like every single book that had previously come out beforehand, leading up to the new book. Now I have a full time job and two kids which leaves me with a lot less time, even with audiobooks on a faster-than-normal, lol. At this point with The Last Hours not only do we have references to things that happened in TID but also characters/ events we see again later in TMI and TDA. Like holy crap I can’t keep anything straight anymore lol. Mark my words though, I am doing a COMPLETE chronological re-read before The Wicked Powers come out…someday.

ANYWAY on to my thoughts on this specific book:
1. I love every single Herondale but why do they ALWAYS get themselves into such deep shit? lolol I ask in my most loving of ways. ESPECIALLY when any kind of romance is involved. I’m truly starting to believe it’s some kind of genetic trai

2. I just want View Spoiler » to be happy forever

3. And for that matter,  View Spoiler » P.s. you should definitely read Ghosts of the Shadow Market before reading this

4. I am genuinely NERVOUS for Matthew. Like the fact that everyone keeps brushing his growing alcohol dependency under the rug and telling themselves that he’s not actually addicted…makes my heart hurt for ALL of them.

5. Cordelia might honestly be my favorite female lead of Clare’s of all time. I was talking to a friend about this actually and I think it’s because she is so different than almost every other lead we’ve ever seen. At the beginning of the series she is totally un-jaded to this world. She hasn’t had a traumatic thing happen to her with some kind of crazy death or tragedy like LITERALLY everyone else, lol. She purely wants to be a Shadowhunter for the sake of ridding the world of evil. Not any kind of revenge or even the glory. She is so pure of heart and heroic and literally is an amazing example of what (in a perfect world) Shadowhunters SHOULD all be like. I’m interested to see how her character reacts to certain events that unfolded in this book…

6. Damnit Tatiana you crazy old bat

7. OKAY WHAT THE HELL IS GOING TO HAPPEN View Spoiler »

8. I’m calling it right now View Spoiler » 

9. View Spoiler »

10. View Spoiler »

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