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?

Stormlings | A Stormheart Playlist

If you haven’t started The Stormheart series yet, you should! I’m getting so hyped for the release of Rage (book 2) and just finished a re-read of book 1, Roar, so decided to create a playlist for Aurora and all the different storms they face throughout the series. If you could be any type of weather, what would you be? What song would you use to describe yourself?

The Breakdown

I decided to pull together songs that reminded me of certain characters like Aurora, our princess turned storm hunter, but also songs that just gave of a “stormy” vibe. Check out some of my faves below, and why I chose them!

Come Clean, Hilary Duff

This song definitely screams Aurora at the beginning of Roar. She’s naive, secluded, and just wants to start fresh away from her mom and all the expectations that have been set for her. 

Notable Lyrics: “Let the rain fall down, and wake my dreams
Let it wash away my sanity. ‘Cause I wanna feel the thunder. I wanna scream
Let the rain fall down. I’m coming clean”

Thunder, Imagine Dragons

This song reminds me of the entire storm hunter crew that Aurora joins, but especially Locke. They all dream of bigger and better things, and use their powers to get what they want. Also, it’s a song about being like thunder, so if that doesn’t fit the bill, I don’t know what does.

Notable Lyrics: “I was dreaming of bigger things
And wanna leave my own life behind…
I was lightning before the thunder”

Roar, Kary Perry

If there ever was a theme song for Roar, it’s this. She goes from damsel to outright fighter/survivor by the end of book 1. And she is back and ready to fight for her kingdom.

Notable Lyrics: “I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
‘Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar”

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?

Review | Stalking Jack the Ripper is A Quirky CSI Tale

Stalking Jack the Ripper

By: Kerri Maniscalco

Overall Rating: ★★★

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord’s daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life cutting open dead bodies in her Uncle’s lab.

A a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, and with the help of her uncle, brother, and the amazingly irresistible Thomas Cresswell, she attempts to solve the case.

Of course, things don’t go her way, her feelings get the best of her, and the shocker at the end leaves Audrey reeling. But hey, at least there’s Thomas!

Theme Song

TL;DR:

Stalking Jack the Ripper is a quick, quirky read. It’s CSI meets Scooby Doo, leaning more into the lighthearted feelings of the latter. If you’re looking for an easy, cute murder mystery, I’d definitely give this a go! But, don’t expect to go into this with the hopes of being shocked into speechlessness – the plot twist is terribly obvious and left me wanting just a little more.

The Good

On the Next Season of CSI: 19th Century England

I’m here for the dead bodies and all the historical fiction! I love a good murder mystery. Especially when it involves one of the most notorious unsolved serial killers of all time. The atmosphere and mood of this book are spot on. I want more 19th century murder cases.

Thomas Cresswell, Please Dote Upon Me

You will be adding Thomas Cresswell to your book boyfriend list the minute you meet him. He’s book smart, sassy, easy on the eyes, and you’ll want to be the Holmes to his Sherlock. Honestly, he’s probably the main reason I’m continuing on with this series. He’s an adorable, socially awkward detective and I’m HERE FOR IT.

The Bad

You Call That A Plot Twist?

I love a good murder mystery and I thoroughly enjoy being stumped right up until the end. When I read any type of thriller/mystery half of my rating is dependent on how quickly I figure out whodunit…and I called the murderer literally the first appearance they made. It’s painfully obvious, and I wish there was a little more mystery.

Audrey Rose, Come ON Girl

Audrey Rose has the potential to be such a strong, badass leading lady, but she does some stupid AF stuff in this book. I just wanted to scream at her the entire time, “COME ON GIRL.” She sneaks out ALONE during the height of Jack the Ripper’s terror. She gets CAUGHT multiple times. Then she ignores clues because she’s in denial. I wanted her to stick to her guns, but I found her lacking at times.

Imma Need a Bit More Adult-ish Content

This book is considered YA and it totally fits the bill, HOWEVER, it’s definitely on the younger side of the spectrum. If this was put in the Middle Grade section at the book store no one would riot. It’s definitely G-rated and I’m not saying I need smut, cause I def don’t, but I would have liked a bit more mature scenes and discussions. If you’re looking for something a bit darker and intense, then you should skip this one.

The Ugly Truth

Stalking Jack the Ripper is an easy, fun read! I’d definitely say it’s more middle grade than young adult, but if you’re looking for something light and  Sherlock Holmes-esque give this one a go.

Talk To Me

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think of it? Are you on the Thomas train? Loved it more than I did?

Review | An Ember In The Ashes Is Fantasy Gold

An Ember In The Ashes

By: Sabaa Tahir

Overall Rating: ★★★★

Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother, Darrin. Darrin gets arrested for treason. After Laia runs away like a wimp, she decides to be strong like her mother and do whatever it takes to free her brother. ENTER: The rebels who promise to help her, but only if she helps them (*dun, dun, dun*).

She infiltrates an elite school for soldiers, posing as a slave, where she  meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier. They both endured some pretty horrific things, leading to the pair teaming up becoming unlikely allies. CUE: THIS IS WHEN THINGS GET CRAZY.

Theme Song

TL;DR:

An Ember In The Ashes is Gladiator x Hunger Games with just enough mythical creatures to make this the fantasy series of my dreams. The characters are complex, sometimes annoying, but always interesting.  You won’t be able to put this book down. I highly recommend!

The Good

The Story

I’m so here for the no-happy-ending-for-you theme of this book. I was also really intrigued by the prophecies, the impending doom coming from all sides (literally I had no idea who was really the “bad guy” the entire time), and the history of the world. Throw in some soldier-on-soldier fight to the deaths, crazy magical priests (who remind me of Silent Brothers from Shadowhunters) and FAERIES and I’m 100% in. If you don’t like bloodshed or scenes that will hurt you in the heart, you might want to skip this.

The Characters

Darrin had me from page one. Elias was love at first sight. Laia was annoying AF. Helene was…complicated. What do they all have in common? They are complex, intriguing, and all had me screaming in irritation, scoffing in anger, or rolling my eyes in disbelief. The journeys these characters go through are so good. They aren’t perfect, and I love them just the way they are…yes, even you Laia.

Elias Veturius Gets His Own Section

ELIAS, SOLDIER BOY OF MY HEART. Yes, he gets his own section. He’s now officially my one f*ckboy I allow on my book boyfriend list (Sorry Tiberius Calore, you’ve been dumped). He’s groomed to kill and follow directions, but can’t seem to get past his adorable, caring, sweet cinnamon roll heart. Yeah, he may get distracted by Laia’s curves or Helene’s hair, and literally every other pretty girl who walks his way…but he gets stuff done. And I love him.

The Bad

I Have So Many Questions

Book one leaves you with A LOT of unresolved plot points. You learn a lot on this journey, but all the important bits don’t start filling in until the end. And even then, you’ll want to immediately start the sequel because you’ll be left wondering what’s happening to literally everyone. Couldn’t I get at least one major thing resolved? No…okay. I’ll just go binge the rest of the series now.

The Ugly Truth

I can’t believe I didn’t start this series sooner! I loved almost everything about An Ember In The Ashes. It had morally grey characters, hot soldier boys, magic, battle scenes, and I can’t wait for more. (Literally I couldn’t wait. I binged the second and third book before even writing this.)

Talk To Me

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think of it? Are you adding this to your TBR?

Review | Roar Has Got the Eye of Tiger, Is A Figher, & So Much More

Roar

By: Cora Cormack

Overall Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Summary

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora’s been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Theme Song

TL;DR:

This book is such a good series opener and I can’t wait for Rage. This is everything I would hope for in a book: a princess who ISN’T a damsel in distress, a heroine who’s smart, haughty and can (kinda) take care of herself, a love interest who is genuine and caring & an unseen, creeper villain who gives you chills. It’s Into The Storm/Twister with some Airbender Vibes and it’s so good.

The Good

Rora Can’t Be Tamed

She starts off as Aurora – weak, powerless, timid. She ends as Roar – powerful, confident and everything you want to read about. Of course there are cliches. She’s the princess without powers who needs to save her people but I still found her story intense and exciting. Haughty boss girls who just want to learn are my vibe.

Antagonists & Morally Gray Characters FTW

I love stories where the threats are looming and that foreboding feeling is stuck in the pit of your stomach because you can’t quite put your finger on who or what is the actual problem. Roar has a lot of issues to deal with including  a creepy storm lord who hangs around and talks to dead guys he’s just killed and Prince Cassius, who I LOVE even though I probably shouldn’t. The political drama is Game of Thrones level, without the blood and gore.

Locke, Where Have You Been All My Life?

I usually find myself stuck with the romantic, primpy guys or the rugged, seemingly feelingless men. Locke manages to be the perfect combo of them all – caring, rugged, stubborn, and to mention he chases magical storms for a living. WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR.

The Bad

I Want More

Honestly, the only thing I could think to put here is that I wish there was more to learn and dive into – about the Pavan family, about Storm magic, about everything. Here’s to hoping Rage will bring a lot of answers to my current questions.

The Ugly Truth

Read Roar! The magical world of Pavan is fresh, intriguing and Aurora will draw you in with her attitude and wit.

Talk To Me

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think of it? Will you be adding it to your TBR?

Review | An Enchantment of Ravens

An Enchantment of Ravens

By: Margaret Rogerson

Overall Rating: ★★★

Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. But when she receives her first royal patron – Rook, the autumn prince – she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes, a weakness that could cost him his life.

My TL:DR before I get into all the deets: An Enchantment of Ravens is a more dangerous version of Alice in Wonderland with a hint of  Dorian Gray thrown in. It’s whimsical, with just enough danger to keep you on your toes, but I found myself wanting more. More romance, more answers, more in-depth character backgrounds, more everything. 

Theme Song

The Good

The Atmosphere

I’ve read so many books about faeries, but for some reason Rogerson’s take just seemed way more magical. When I say this reminds me of Alice in Wonderland, it’s because the world is very bizarre and whimsical in the most entertaining ways – from the fae princes down to the food they eat, there’s always something mystical to find.

The Heroine

Isobel isn’t fierce or quick-witted like we’ve become accustomed to with YA heroines. She’s subtle, soft, smart, and endearing. Yet, she still manages to handle herself among the fae by being the cool, collected artist they crave. She sticks to her principles and even scolds herself when she knows she’s being like “those girls”. She isn’t the typical type of character I end up loving, but for some reason she just works. Not everyone needs to be a warrior princess to be amazing.

The Bad

Lack of Details

This isn’t to say that the descriptions and attention to detail were lacking, I just wish there had been more development with everything. I’m pretty sure this is just me being a sucker for a good series and never wanting stories to truly end but…¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

I just can’t stop thinking about things like: Why can’t faeries do any type of crafts? What happens to Rook and Isobel? What about the King? What about the world that people sail to to get away from magic? I just have SO. MANY. QUESTIONS. They’re definitely all unnecessary, but alas, I still think everything ended too quickly.

The Ugly Truth

This book is a quirky, quick and fun read. If you’re into faeries and the lore, then you will definitely enjoy Rogerson’s world. Isobel and Rook are so precious and pure, their relationship will warm your heart like a mid-summer night’s dream (get it…because Puck, *badumpsh*). I’d recommend this if you need a pick-me-up from a book hangover or if you’re just looking for something light!

Talk To Me

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think of it?

Julian & Emma | A Shadowhunters Playlist

Queen of Air and Darkness is less than two months away, so Laughing Listener, Fiction No Chaser and I decided to start a group read of The Dark Artifices to get prepped!

Because Cassandra Clare is a genius, it was inevitable that a chapter into Lady Midnight everyone fell in love with Emma and then fell in love with Julian and then fell in love with them being together.

By popular demand, I created a playlist for their forbidden love. This won’t be finished until the last book is released and we finally know their fate, but I had to share what I had so far!

The Breakdown

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

Our Own House, Misterwives

To me, this song describes Emma and Julian as parabatai perfectly. They’ve spent most of their lives together and have grown with and shaped each other into the people they are.

Notable Lyrics: “With the hands over our hearts. And we swore on that day. That it’ll never fall apart.”

Cake By The Ocean, DNCE

Guys, this is THEE song for that beach scene. 

Notable Lyrics: “I keep on hoping we’ll eat cake by the ocean.”

While We Wait, Jack Johnson

I had to end it with an open-ended song about wanting more. It describes Julian and Emma and also how I feel about needing more of them in my life.

Notable Lyrics: “It feels right. It feels wrong. It feels like when you have it, then it’s gone.
I want more. More and more….”

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?

Feysand | A Court of Thorns and Roses Playlist

*Spoiler ahead if you haven’t read the A Court of Thorns and Roses Series*

Now that my spoiler warning is out of the way I can freely discuss my love for Rhysand and his love for Feyre. This is the ultimate hate-to-love story and there’s no changing my mind! This playlist has a lot of conflicting emotions and I hope you listen to this in your car and dance around like I do.

If you’re looking for some epic breakup music, check out my Feylin playlist! It has enough angst to soothe the soul.

The Breakdown

Here are a few of my favorite choices and why I thought they fit on this playlist.

Do You Want Me (Dead?), All Time Low

Rhys and Feyre started off on the wrong foot, but I always wondered what was really going on with them. Do they hate each other or not? Well, I found my answer, but this is still them at the end of book 1 and the beginning of book 2.

Notable Lyrics: “Do you want me? Or do you want me dead?”

Starlight, Taylor Swift

Tell me this isn’t the perfect song to be playing in the background during their first Starfall together. Plus, it’s Taylor…so of course I love it.

Notable Lyrics: “It was the best night, never would forget how we moved.
The whole place was dressed to the nines, and we were dancing, dancing. Like we’re made of starlight”

Bright, Echosmith

It was so fun finding songs that alluded to stars and night because they just fit Rhys and Feyre SO well.

Notable Lyrics: “And I see colors in a different way. You make what doesn’t matter fade to grey. Life is good and that’s the way it should be.”

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?

Review | I Lived For the Sass in Bring Me Their Hearts

Bring Me Their Hearts

By: Sara Wolf

Overall Rating: ★★★

Zera gets her heart taken away by a witch, which turns her into a Heartless. In order to get her heart back she needs to charm the prince with her humor and wit…so she can take his heart and turn him into a Heartless. Sparks fly, chaos ensues, enemies are made, and so on.

Zera stealing hearts, probably

 

Theme Song

The Good

(Most Of) The Characters

Zera is FULL of sarcasm and her tasteless jokes and overdramatic antics are to die for. Sure, she might be a little crazy after being stabbed to undeath a handful of times, but she’s trying and that’s what counts.

Prince Lucien, AKA my future husband, is bitter, snappy, sarcastic and also an adorable teddy bear and I need him in my life. I can’t wait to see more of him in book two.

Malachite is the best friend I wish I had. He’s loyal, funny, and can see in the dark. He’s also a badass fighter, so protection for earlier mentioned book babe Lucien is covered.

The Backstory

There’s an Old God, a New God, an important old “Tree”, some crazy creatures the witches accidentally created with their “overflowing power” and a plot-twist about the ruling family’s lineage that should make things a lot more interesting. I love in-depth world building and I hope I get more of this Witch War!

The Bad

The Ending

I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS. Seriously, the only reason I didn’t rate this four stars is because of the last chapter. Not one thing was resolved by the last page. Was the archduke ever actually evil? Who really wants this war to happen? Why do the witches actually need Prince Lucien’s heart? What is going on with Fione – is she evil or not? And HOW IS THAT CHARACTER EVEN ALIVE? Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for a good cliffhanger, but at least give me some type or resolution. You can’t leave everything open-ended, it isn’t healthy.

The Antagonist

I appreciate a great villain but this book didn’t really seem to have one. The Archduke was the implied, always present “evil” but he was in a total of like 4 scenes. He didn’t thwart anyone’s plans, he didn’t kill anyone I was truly invested in, he didn’t really do anything.

The Ugly Truth

For all the minor upsets this book held for me, I still really enjoyed it. The characters made up for a lot of the disappointments and I didn’t really have anything bad to say until the ending! I really can’t wait to read the second book for two reasons: my need to know everything outweighs all other things and PRINCE LUCIEN NEEDS TO LIVE.

Talk To Me

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think of it?

October TBR

I decided to dedicate this month to – mostly – horror & thrillers. I don’t give my scary
stories enough love even though they are some of my favorites. I mean, who doesn’t love
a good scare?

Here are some of the books I’m excited to get through before Halloween. I’ve had IT for almost a year and have yet to dive in, even though I’ve seen both movie adaptations. As you can see, Stephen King is a theme here – he is the master of horror!

 

In other news I’m sitting here patiently waiting for Kingdom of Ash to drop on the 23rd, at which time my horror thrills will take a back seat. I NEED to know how this ends. Love Throne of Glass as much as I do? Check out one of my playlists!

Talk to Me: What are you excited to read this month?