Spoiler-Free Review | Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

Chain of Gold

By: Cassandra Clare

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

From Goodreads: Welcome to Edwardian London, a time of electric lights and long shadows, the celebration of artistic beauty and the wild pursuit of pleasure, with demons waiting in the dark. For years there has been peace in the Shadowhunter world. James and Lucie Herondale, children of the famous Will and Tessa, have grown up in an idyll with their loving friends and family, listening to stories of good defeating evil and love conquering all. But everything changes when the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come to London…and so does a remorseless and inescapable plague.

James Herondale longs for a great love, and thinks he has found it in the beautiful, mysterious Grace Blackthorn. Cordelia Carstairs is desperate to become a hero, save her family from ruin, and keep her secret love for James hidden. When disaster strikes the Shadowhunters, James, Cordelia and their friends are plunged into a wild adventure which will reveal dark and incredible powers, and the true cruel price of being a hero…and falling in love.

Theme Song

TL;DR:

Chain of Gold was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020 and for good reason! It is an amazing addition to the Shadowhunter World. If you’re new to the Shadowhunter Chronicles and don’t mind reading out of chronological order, I HIGHLY recommend you start with this installment. This is Cassie’s best writing yet, and you’ll be so in love with the Edwardian London setting, sassy & sweet characters, and action-packed plot. This has everything you’ll be looking for in a historical-fantasy series. READ IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

The Good

The Action-Packed Plot

If you’re a fan of Cassie’s other Shadowhunter novels, you know she doesn’t lack in the action department. There’s always some demon to slay, a warlock to track down, a sick downworlder to help, or a hottie to love from afar. Chain of Gold is no different. From page one, the new crew is neck-deep in supernatural problems to solve and the action doesn’t stop until the very last page. Can SyFy just take over the Shadowhunter world and make this into an Edwardian Fantasy Drama? Because I would totally watch it. It’s like a refresh of Dark Shadows, but a million times better.

James Herondale, Cordelia Carstairs, and The Merry Thieves (And Everyone Else!)

For fans of the Shadowhunter world who may have issues with certain heroes and heroines from past series, I’m here to tell you that you have nothing to worry about with this new crew. For newcomers, I’m also here to prepare you to love at least a dozen new characters and all their quirks and questionable choices. James Herondale is the emo bookworm of your dreams. Cordelia Carstairs is the badass heroine who actually thinks about her actions (I’m looking at you Clary), and the rest of the supporting cast will leave you with total swoon heart eyes for days. Seriously, you won’t be able to pick a favorite and you’re going to be rooting for everyone’s happily ever after. You’ve been warned!

The A+ Top-Notch Villain Scheming

Without being too spoiler-y, I’m just going to say that I’m ready for this villain(s?). Clare always does a really great job of humanizing her evil characters and giving them a backstory and it’s no different this time around. You’ll be left hating certain people, and it will feel sooooo, so good and so, sooooo bad at the same time. Prepare for all the drama. 

The World Building Is AMAZING

Queen Cassie is known for making her Shadowhunter world so expansive that sometimes it can be hard to keep up. But, I’m here to tell you that if you’re into high-fantasy worlds with lots of details and characters – this series is for you. Clare ties together her short stories and previous trilogy into this newest installment SO WELL. Her older, beloved characters make appearances, but don’t hog the spotlight, and all her mini stories pave the way for major character arcs to be explored. And, even if you haven’t been introduced to any of her previous work, there’s enough detail for you to still experience a rollercoaster of emotions. You’ll be left wanting more (and will probably buy the entire Chronicles to keep your cravings satisfied).

The Ending

THAT CLIFFHANGER THO. All I have to say about the ending is it’s SO  bittersweet and somehow satisfying all at the same time. I don’t know how my heart could feel so many different emotions at once, and I’m still thinking about where we’re going next. Please mentally prepare yourself for a massive book hangover. And, please let me know if you want to join me in my quest for clues and theories on Chain of Iron.

The Bad

NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THIS BOOK.

I have spoken and will not be taking questions at this time.

The Ugly Truth

Chain of Gold is one of my favorites reads of 2020 so far. It is 5-star, fantasy gold and should definitely be on any fantasy lover’s TBR list. If you’re new to Cassie Clare books, do yourself a favor and start here. If you’re not a newcomer, drop what you’re reading and get on the Chain of Gold party bus. It. Will. Not. Disappoint.

Talk To Me

Are you a Shadowhunter fan? Will you be adding Chain of Gold to your TBR?

Book Tag | Identity Crisis

It’s time for another book tag! Loretta @ The Laughing Listener created her very own book tag and now I’m spreading it around, because who doesn’t want to know what characters they’re most like?

I’m was super hyped…but also scared, because I kept thinking “what if I get someone awful like Taryn (Cruel Prince) or Gale (*gags*).” I think I did pretty well for my Virgo/Gryffindor self. Check out my results and don’t forget to play along!

RULES:

1. Take all the quizzes down below and record your answers somehow. I decided to just copy the text from each quiz and paste it into my post, but screenshots work too! Whatever floats your goat (Yes goat. I SAID WHAT I SAID).
2. NO CHEATING. You get one shot to take each quiz my friends. I’m watching you. ∗Suspicious squinty eyes∗
3. Use this post to give credit to the creator Loretta @ The Laughing Listener or tag her on twitter @LaughnListener so I can see everyone’s answers!!
4. Tag some friends to spread the fun!

RED QUEEN

WHO I AM: Mare Barrow

Okay, so right off the bat I’m getting the MC Heroine and I guess I’m okay with that since CAL is def a thing for me. Mare can be kinda annoying, but I love her for it anyway.

SHADOWHUNTERS

WHO I AM: Charlotte Branwell & Mark Blackthorn

YES I LOVE THIS COMBO SO MUCH. Charlotte is my FAVORITE character in The Infernal Devices. She is a badass QUEEN and she ran that institute like the boss lady she is. AND Mark is DEFINITELY THE BEST BLACKTHORN BROTHER (Don’t @ me). I’m not sure if people underestimate me? But I’m definitely the responsible mom of the friend group…did you remember to pack a sweater?

THRONE OF GLASS

WHO I AM: Dorian & Nesryn

HOW is this so accurate? This is based off dessert preferences and favorite nature spots and I’m concerned that Epic Reads knows everything about me.

HUNGER GAMES

WHO I AM: Effie Trinket

LOL. This is completely wrong. I can literally camp in the forest for a week with no showers, cell phone service, or TV and be completely okay with life. I’m also not flamboyant AT ALL. Buzzfeed, who put this quiz together? I have some questions. Other than that, I don’t mind Effie!

HARRY POTTER

WHO I AM: Dolores Umbridge

This is literally the first time I haven’t gotten Hermione on a Harry Potter character quiz and now I REALLY have questions for you, Buzzfeed! Dolores? Seriously?! I mean…I can be ruthless and bitchy, but I don’t like fluffy pink things? Def have to admit loving sweets but still, DOLORES? Side note: this description does not sound bad to me AT ALL. So yes to the description, NO to the character.

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES

WHO I AM: Amren

Okay, I am down with this answer for some strange reason? Buzzfeed Community members got it RIGHT. I am also short, with dark hair, and I do tend to act moody even with my family. So yeah besides the vain part I think this is pretty accurate. LOL.

THE RAVEN CYCLE

WHO I AM: Noah Czerny

The first part about being observant and keeping to myself is 100% ON. POINT. The rest of this is false. I AM loyal to those I love, but I’m not naive or gullible. I am probably the most skeptic person every. But I love Noah. He is a precious cinnamon roll and I don’t mind being like him in some way.

*Sorry friends, you don’t get a cute picture of Twilight because I don’t own these books. (Sorry, not sorry)

TWILIGHT

WHO I AM: Edward Cullen

SAY IT. OUT LOUD. I’m like Edward? This is not me…at all. Other than people staying away from me I have absolutely nothing in common with him, but like cool I get to be a hottie vampire. That counts for something.

FOLK OF THE AIR

WHO I AM: Jude

I mean, Jude isn’t the best Heroine of all time, but things could have been worse. I could have been Taryn. And nobody wants that. I am stubborn when it comes to my beliefs and decision making so I guess this makes sense?

THE LUNAR CHRONICLES

WHO I AM: Thorne

I LOVE Thorne (and also Flynn Rider…heeeey, how you doin’) so I’m so okay with this. I don’t think it describes me at all. I thought for sure I would be Scarlet, but beggars can’t be choosers. And at least I’m not Kai.

Talk To Me

Tagging anyone who wants to play along!

What did you think of my answers? Do you think I’m like or dislike the results?

Book Tour | Your Guide to Shadowhunters’ Los Angeles Part 2

Welcome to Part Two of my Shadowhunter Los Angeles Tour! If you missed out on part one you can check it out by clicking here. I went up and down the Pacific Coast Highway to bring you some insider information on places mentioned in Lady Midnight.

This week, I’m bringing you a handful of city spots the team visits, including: The Midnight Theater, The Shadow Market, and Mark Blackthorn’s infamous run-in with Syphilis at Canter’s Deli.

I used this map A LOT during the city tour to nail down a few spots, so I’m adding it here again and will mention if below from time to time. I hope it helps!

The Spots

Canter’s Deli

Canter’s has been around for ages. It’s one of those LA hot spots that everyone knows about. They’re open 24 hours, have a dining area and a full bakery! Canter’s is also known for having an authentic, traditional Jewish flare (which I’m sure Simon would love). *Yum, Yum, Yum*

Side note: Let’s all appreciate Mark Blackthorn at Canter’s, ordering a plate of strawberries, talking to a telephone pole, and being clueless about girls thinking he’s hot AF. He is too precious for this world and I love him.

Address: 419 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

“Everything inside Canter’s was yellow. The walls were yellow, the booths were yellow, and most of the food was a shade of yellow.” – Lady Midnight, Chapter 12, Page 276

The Midnight Theater

The Midnight Theater doesn’t actually exist, but after doing some intense research on the map to determine where it was located…and after reading Cassie’s notes at the end of Lady Midnight, I decided to stop at The Pantages. It’s a theater used for play productions, and definitely fits the old-glam LA vibe of the series. (And it’s supposed to be haunted! *If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with ghosts.) You get some added Hollywood scenic images from around the area because it’s amazing out there.

Address: 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028

“Emma could see lights, hot neon and electricity, up ahead, the arrow shape of a sign: THE MIDNIGHT THEATER. The Hollywood Hills glittered in the distance as if they’d been dusted with starlight.” – Lady Midnight, Chapter 14, Page 328

“The Midnight Theater is intended as a homage to the haunted theaters in Los Angeles. Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the Pantages Theater, the Vogue Theater.” -Cassandra Clare Takes Us Through Emma’s Los Angeles (Back of Lady Midnight Hardcover)

The Los Angeles Shadow Market

The LA Shadow Market is located in Old Town Pasadena. Apparently, I truly am a mundane, because I didn’t see any faeries or warlocks. The stroll through the city is still really nice though. Be sure to look out for the Slater’s 50/50 because the alleyway is right next door!

Address: 41 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103

“He walked down Kendall Alley through Old Town Pasadena toward a blank brick wall—and stepped through it into an explosive world of color and light.” -Lady Midnight, Prologue, Page 1

The Sepulchre Bar

This was by far the hardest place to track down thus far. The Sepulchre Bar doesn’t actually exist, but from the book I knew the following:

1. It’s located in West Hollywood
2. It’s located between Canter’s Deli & The Midnight Theater (Between Fairfax and Hollywood Blvd.)
3. It has a nature/garden vibe

I used my detective skills, and the help of Google Maps, to narrow down bars in the West Hollywood area that fit the rest of the description. The closest match I could find was the Harlowe Bar! It doesn’t open until 5 PM each night, so I wasn’t able to go inside, but the outside definitely fits. And, if you were wondering what the f*ck a Jacaranda tree is, you’re in luck! I took some pictures because they only bloom in SoCal twice a year and they are so pretty.

Address: 7321 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

“Jacaranda trees were strung with electric lights, and sleek ultra modern tables and chairs were scattered around the garden space.” – Lady Midnight, Chapter 1, Page 15

 

Bonus: The Apple Pan & Pink’s Hot Dogs

During Queen of Air and Darkness, Cristina reminisces about places she and Emma would visit, and my assistant researcher (aka: baby sister) decided it would be cool to add them to the tour. So, here we are.

The Apple Pan Address: 10801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Pink’s Hot Dogs Address: 709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

“Her introduction to L.A. had been going to all of Emma’s favorite places..hot dogs at Pink’s, pie at the Apple Pan at midnight.” –Queen of Air and Darkness, Chapter 6, Page 108

Coming Soon

There are still a few places on my list that I’m trying to track down and visit; Malcolm is doing a very good job of hiding his mansion from mundane eyes. Be sure to keep an eye out for more!

Talk To Me

Are there any spots I’m missing from my list’? Have you visited any of the city spots? Any you’d like to check out?

Book Tour | Your Guide to Shadowhunters’ Los Angeles Part 1

It’s no secret that I’m fully obsessed with Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter World. So, you can imagine that when The Dark Artifices were published, I was beyond excited to have a Los Angeles Institute. I grew up in in the suburbs of the city, I went to college in Downtown Los Angeles, and now I spend my morning commuting in the glorious LA traffic. All of this to say, I know my way around Southern California, and I decided what better way to nerd out than to visit all the places Emma and her posse know and love.

Los Angeles is a BIG place. You can’t get around by just walking, so if you’re planning on touring make sure you have a car, a full tank of gas, and some snacks. Because of the distances, I decided to break up my tour into 3 different parts – The Beach Hot Spots, The City Hangouts, and the miscellaneous, hard-to-find haunts.

So, on with the show! Check out hip beach spots the LA Institute hits during the series. I’ve added in my route from Google maps, links to websites (click the pink headers below!), and other cool stuff that might be helpful for fans wanting to visit – I went through tons of sticky notes to provide “expert” research from the books, too.

The Route

I plotted a course from my house to all the big spots I wanted to hit off the coast. Then, I put them in order so I would be driving in a straight line up the Pacific Coast Highway and wasn’t wasting gas. One *super important* thing to remember is timing. The beaches & surrounding areas get really packed on weekends after about 9 AM. So, I started my trip around 7 AM and was able to hit every place without too much traffic – mundanes and cars alike. I also had a reference point from this handy – and super pretty – Shadowhunter Map I found online (I think it came with special ARCs of Lady Midnight).

The Spots

The Santa Monica Pier

The pier has games, food, rides, and sight-seeing! You might even spot a celeb or two, so keep an eye out.

Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

“She’d always loved the Santa Monica Pier, since she was a little girl and her parents had taken her there to play air hockey and ride the old-fashioned merry-go-round…But the boards under Emma’s feet were still warped and weathered by years of sun and salt. The air still smelled like sugar and seaweed…” –Lord of Shadows, Chapter 1, Page 11-12

Hidden Treasures

Hidden Treasures is Emma’s favorite vintage store and when you see it, you’ll understand why. It fits her personality SO perfectly. It’s definitely hidden from touristy eyes, and you need to drive through the canyon to find it. It’s super tiny and is easy to miss – so be on the lookout!

Address: 154 S. Topanga Canyon Boulevard Topanga Canyon, California

“In front of them was a single freestanding building with a sign boasting foot-high letters in glitter that spelled out the words HIDDEN TREASURES. A massive red-and-white popcorn machine stood next to the store, along with a painted model of a curtained caravan, advertising the services of Gargantua the Great.” –Lady Midnight, Chapter 13, Page 308

Leo Carillo State Park

A lot of Leo Carillo is currently closed due to the Woolsey Fire, but the good news is the beach and stairways are reopened! You have to hunt for some of the tunnels/caves, but the beach is only about 2 miles long here, so you can walk along the entire span, check out where the necromantic rituals were taking place, and still have plenty of time to explore.

*Pro Tip: Look for Lifeguard Station 3 and head down to the beach right below for some of the easier to access caves. It’s a bit rocky, so make sure you take some sturdy shoes along with your beach sandals, just in case.

Address: 35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

“He was just inside the cave, looking down at more of the same plants, clustering around the dry soft stone…As he moved forward into the cave, which began to narrow into a tunnel…it opened out into a circular chamber lined with metal…the walls were bronze, covered in strange symbols…” -Lady Midnight, Chapter 9, Page 210-211

“Leo Carillo State Park is home to the sea caves that play an important role in Lady Midnight.” -Cassandra Clare Takes Us Through Emma’s Los Angeles (Back of Lady Midnight Hardcover)

Neptune’s Net

The spot where Emma, Julian, Cristina, and Mark grab late night seafood is actually the best. It’s literally right across the road from the beach. You can sit out on their patio and look out to the ocean while enjoying some fish & chips!

Address: 42505 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

“They passed over a late-night seafood shack, music and light pouring out of the windows. Emma had been there before and remembered sitting on the big wooden picnic tables with Jules, dunking fried oysters in tartar sauce…” –Lady Midnight, Chapter 9, Page 208

“A massive neon sign reading POSEIDON’S TRIDENT hung over the ramshackle building…they found Mark and Cristina seated on top of a picnic table, surrounded by cardboard boxes of French fries, buttered rolls, fried clams, and fish tacos.” –Lady Midnight, Chapter 9, Page 221-225

Point Mugu State Park

The site of the convergence is a few-mile long stretch of beach and park. We stopped at “Mugu Rock” because it seemed like it would be the site of some strong magic. It’s popular, but dangerous, and accidents sometimes happen. So I guess there might be something dark & mysterious actually going on after all.

Address: 42505 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

“A granite rise loomed in front of them, a dome-like hill atop the bluffs…Mark pointed at a dark opening in the rock of the hill…” –Lady Midnight, Chapter 9, Page 209

“The site of the convergence isn’t in a specific place, but it’s based on some of the scenery in Point Mugu State Park” –Cassandra Clare Takes Us Through Emma’s Los Angeles (Back of Lady Midnight Hardcover)

Coming Soon

As I continue my “research” and exploration, I have a list of for sure places I want to hunt down. Stay tuned for part 2 and 3 in the coming weeks so you don’t miss out!

The LA Institute

Malcolm Fade’s House

Johnny Rook’s House

The Shadow Market

Sepulchre Bar

The Midnight Theater

Anselm Nightshade’s Pizza Place

Canter’s Deli

Vasquez Rocks

Talk To Me

Are there any spots I’m missing from my list’? Have you visited any of the beach spots? Any you’d like to check out?

Top 5 Tuesday | Favorite Fictional Friendships

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Bionic Book Worm!

This week we’re talking the best fictional friendships and apparently I’m a sucker for a good team dynamic. I love a great group of friends that balance each other out – the sass machine, the leader, the rule-breaker, the softie. It’s like Breakfast Club in a bunch of different settings!

The Gangsey from The Raven Cycle

Richard Campbell Gansey III and his group of rich boy prep-school friends are life. If I were Blue, I’d want a group of Raven Boys all to myself, too. Gansey is the old-soul. Ronan is the rebel with a sailor’s mouth. Adam, the misfit with magic. And Noah, everyone’s favorite smol cinnamon roll. I need them in my life!

Emma Carstairs & Cristina Rosales from The Dark Artifices

Emma and Cristina are my definition of friend goals. Cristina is definitely the mom of the crew – always level-headed and reminding you to bring a jacket. She balances out Emma’s sassy, fiery ways and they always have each other’s backs. Who wouldn’t want to be one-half of a badass, demon-hunting duo?

The Inner Circle from A Court of Thorns & Roses

If you say you don’t like Cassian, Azriel, Mor or Amren it’s probably because you haven’t read this entire series. They’re ancient warrior beings who also have snowball fights, get drunk together, and have some serious issues they need to take care of. But, I wouldn’t have them any other way. Sign me up to be part of the crew

Beta Team from The Kingmaker Chronicles

Who wouldn’t want to be friends with a bunch of hottie, sass-machine soldiers? Carver, Kato, Flynn and Griffin are loyal, fierce, funny, and would die for the ones they love. And did I mention that they’re all hotties with bodies? Because, that’s an important thing to remember.

The Fab Five from The Remnant Chronicles

The “Fab Five” is the unofficial name I’ve dubbed Rafe and his band of special-ops soldiers – Sven, Orrin, Tavish, and Jeb. They hunt, cook, tell stories, love some fine- linen-crafted shirts, and can kill a man using just their hands. They risk their lives to save Rafe and Lia all while stealing my heart and making me want to be part of the team.

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? Do we have any of the same fave friendships? Any that I should be reading about ASAP?

Top 5 Tuesday | Books Set In My Country

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Bionic Book Worm!

This week is all about favorite books set where I’m from. I’m from Southern California, so there are tons of books I could choose from that are set all over the United States. You would think that makes this easier, but it actually made it so much harder! So, here’s what I actually ended up choosing.

The Dark Artifices by Cassandra Clare

Are you guys sick of me bringing up how much I love the Shadowhunter books? Well, just get used to it, because I can’t stop, won’t stop. ANYWAY, The Dark Artifices take place (mostly) in California! The Institute is in Malibu, the Shadowmarket resides in Pasadena and there are tons of other landmarks up and down the California coast the team visits. It was so much easier to envision scenes in my head because I’ve visited them before!

Percy Jackson & The Heroes of Olympus Series by Rick Riordan

Imagine a world where demigods are real, the Gods run big corporations like Amazon, and national parks and tourist attractions actually hide some seriously magical creatures and objects. Rick Riordan’s world of mythology is one of my favorites, and even though these are meant for younger readers and I’m well past the age bracket, his dad jokes and magical America will always be one of my favorites. Can I join Camp Half-Blood? Because I’ll totally move across the country for that.

Under the Dome by Stephen King

To be fair, I love anything Stephen King writes and he usually sets his novels somewhere on the east coast/Maine. BUT, I’m gonna go with Under the Dome for this list because I devoured this book in less than a week. A small town city full of dark secrets, corruption, and bat-sh*t crazy people is totally my vibe. The ending is not the best, but everything leading up to the last few chapters is so so so good.

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

Oh hi, just me again talking about the Raven Boys, how much I love them, and this entire series. Who wouldn’t want to live in a Virginia town that sits on Ley Lines, is full of magical caves that hide demonic presences and not-so-dead Welsh princesses, and not to mention the feisty psychic ladies of 300 Fox Way. I could skip the gross summer heat of the Deep South, but for Gansey I would suffer. I’d also brave the hornets for one day in Cabeswater.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I’m throwing it way back to high school days with this pick, but To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic that depicts the deep south, racism, and inequality in America so vividly. There’s a reason this book is a classic and teens read it in school every year – it’s a must-read.

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What are your favorite books set in America? Any I should add to my TBR list?

Top 5 Tuesday | Pretty Book Spines

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Bionic Book Worm!

This week we’re talking favorite spines! Spoiler alert, most of mine are going to involve Shadowhunter paperbacks because I LIVE FOR THE ARTWORK. I promise to add in a few others for the sake of being a fair and equal book lover.

Paperback Spines of The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassie Clare

Just look at how beautiful this end-of-the-world New York City scene looks. The details! The characters! The font! I just love this set So. Much. It’s one of my favorites.

The Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard

I love the Ombre coloring and the blood-dripping crowns on the spines. I’m excited to finish my collector’s editions set – they’re entirely different colors!

Paperback Spines of The Infernal Devices Series by Cassie Clare

I don’t think I need to say much about these spines. They’re amazing. I  could fill an entire bookshelf with just Shadowhunter books and it would be the prettiest thing ever.

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

They’re fairy tale retellings and even the spines show it! My favorite is Winter – that apple glows. 

Paperback Spines of The Dark Artifices

I don’t have the entire set yet because the paperback version of Queen of Air and Darkness isn’t out yet, but I’m an LA girl and this beach pier scene speaks to me. 

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What pretty spines am I missing? Any that we agree on?

Review | Queen of Air And Darkness Gave Me All The Feels

Queen of Air and Darkness

By: Cassandra Clare

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Innocent blood has been spilled on the steps of the Council Hall, the sacred stronghold of the Shadowhunters. 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. Caught in a race against time, Emma and Julian must save the world of Shadowhunters before the deadly power of the parabatai curse destroys them and everyone they love.

TL;DR:

This book was an amazing conclusion to a great series. It had it’s flaws, but even with these bumps in the road – it was still an intense and entertaining read. Clare knows her fantasy – I was feeling things I didn’t even know I could feel, and I’m still in shock over that ending! I’m excited for what’s to come in the Shadowhunter universe. The entire world is the literary version of Supernatural…which is also an amazing show about angels, demons, monsters, and all that jazz and everyone should watch it.

Theme Song

The Good

THAT UNEXPECTED SETTING

Okay, lowkey Part 2 of Queen is EVERYTHING. This is when we get a look at a new place we’ve never seen in the Shadowhunter world before and I was here for it. Cassie Clare did. not. disappoint. This new place definitely sets up the future of the shadowhunter universe to have some unexpected villains (and possibly allies?) I’m trying to keep this review spoiler-free, so trust me when I say you’re in for a treat.

Was I Watching A TV Show In My Head??

The answer is yes, I was, and I was blown away. Cassie Clare will take you on a wild ride following different characters, separated by miles and magical realms, yet somehow everything pieces itself together. I felt like I lived through 10 different seasons of a show. There were multiple threats, unexpected events, happy times, sad times, character introductions, character deaths, character cameos, and THAT EPILOGUE. This leaves me with one question: WHY CAN’T ANYONE TRANSLATE THIS WORK OF ART INTO AN AMAZING TV SHOW OR MOVIE?!

Let’s All Learn Some World History from Professor Clare

One thing I’ve always loved about Shadowhunter stories was the historical undertones. We’ve visited Hitler/World War Two in The Mortal Instruments, the aftermath of said war at the beginning of The Dark Artifices, and even more recent events (did someone say build a wall?) in this latest installment. All this to say, I hope the younger generation picks these books up and learns a thing or two about history repeating itself, and how to be an open-minded, decent person.

Jace F***ING Herondale (And All The Other Amazing Characters)

I know, I know. He’s not the main character of this series…but come on. He’s my favorite and any time he shows up it makes my day. So yes, thank you Cassie, for making a perfect fictional character for me to obsess over and bringing him into the equation whenever you possibly can. Emma Carstairs and Mark Blackthorn get honorable mention for being my faves in the series, but let’s be honest, most of Clare’s characters are so adorable and precious and I love them all.

The Bad

Annabel Who?

Is it just me, or was Annabel hyped up for no reason? Two of the three books in this series are named after her and she has her own freaking cover, but she is definitely not THAT significant. She plays such a small role in this book and I don’t think she’s necessary to this series…like at all. The plot could have been moved along without her or by giving her “important” pieces to literally any other character. And now I’m salty about her in general.

What’s With The “Curse”?

I felt cheated by the resolution of the so called Parabatai Curse. That’s all I can say without going on a rant and spoiling everything.

The Ugly Truth

Queen of Air and Darkness had it’s flaws BUT even with the issues it was an amazing book. I loved it…probably more so because it wasn’t perfect. The characters are precious, the story is amazing, the fantasy is A+. DROP WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND GO READ THIS SERIES.

Talk To Me

Have you read this book? Did you love it as much as I did? Do you love Shadowhunters as much as I do? Are you obsessed with Jace? Let’s be friends!

Top 5 Tuesday | Worlds I Want To Live In

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Bionic Book Worm!

Today’s topic is all about worlds I’d want to live in! I’m so excited to take everyone on a trip through my favorite fictional places.

The Los Angeles Shadowhunter Institute

It’s no secret that I LOVE anything Cassie Clare writes. While my love started with The Mortal Instruments, I have a soft spot for The Los Angeles Institute – the setting for some of The Dark Artifices. I’m an LA girl and can’t help but imagine all my favorite places in the city as magical (or Julian and Emma sitting in traffic next to me). Can anyone else imagine taking a trip to the beach in Santa Monica and seeing some demon-slaying, half-angel warriors sunbathing next to you or riding magical, flying faerie horses? Because I CAN.

Artwork by Cassandra Jean!

Henrietta, Virginia

The fictional town where The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater takes place. There are psychics, magical forests, Welsh kings, bee-like demons, and, of course, Aglionby Boys. Who wouldn’t want to live in a world where you can literally make your dreams a reality.

Hogwarts

How can I not add Hogwarts to my list? Fantastic beasts, magical sweets, flying cars, and spells that can clean my house! Everything about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter calls to me. But can we petition to get JK Rowling to allows dogs as pets?

Velaris

I just want to live in the City of Starlight, where everything smells like fresh air and jasmine and I’m surrounded by mountains and rivers and all the magical faerie things. Seriously, I even have a tattoo because I am obsessed with all things A Court of Thorns and Roses and Sarah J Mass.

Hobbiton, The Shire

I’m already the size of a hobbit, so why wouldn’t I want to spend my time wandering rolling greens hills, eating and drinking all day? Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Elevenses, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, Supper…I want them all! Let’s not forget about being besties with Gandalf!

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What worlds do you most want to live in? Do we have any in common?

Julian Blackthorn | A Shadowhunters Playlist

I know, I know. I said I wasn’t going to do any other Shadowhunter playlists, but I couldn’t stop myself! I’m prepping for Queen of Air and Darkness and I’m “patiently” waiting for more Julian Blackthorn, so I decided to make him a playlist.

Our favorite Slytherin shadowhunter is definitely an emo, California boy. I can imagine him locking himself up in his studio and painting his worries away well blasting super emo songs. All he cares about are his family and Emma, so of course every song on this playlist is about them, too.

The Breakdown

Here are a few of my faves and why I picked them.

Dark Blue, Jack’s Mannequin

Julian is always in crowded rooms, but is always too busy scheming and hiding his emotions to show his true self and connect with people. Not even his siblings know how worries and stressed he is all the time.

Julian stress painting in his studio, probably

Notable Lyrics: “I have you breathing down my neck, breathing down my neck. I don’t, don’t know what you could possibly expect under this condition-so I’ll wait, I’ll wait for the ambulance to come, ambulance to come pick us up off the floor. What did you possibly expect under this condition?”

I Will Follow You Into The Dark, Death Cab For Cutie

Julian would follow his family (and Emma) to the ends of the earth if it meant he could keep them together and safe, and OMG I’m going to cry just thinking about all the Blackthorns and their love for each other. 😭

Notable Lyrics: “I’ll be close behind and I’ll follow you into the dark. No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white, just our hands clasped so tight, waiting for the hint of a spark”

HeavyDirtySoul, Twenty One Pilots

Sometimes Julian takes his plotting and scheming too far and he knows he messes up. Which leaves us wondering…how far will he go to get what he wants. (Will it be Voldemort status?)

Notable Lyrics: “This doesn’t mean I lost my dream. It’s just right now I got a really crazy mind to clean […] can you save my heavy dirty soul?”

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What songs would you add? Do you have any playlists you’d want me to create?