Review - The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson

Hello! Currently posting from within a pile of revision but all is well (I'm lying, someone save me).

Anyhow, I've just finished The Bane Chronicles and I just want to tell you all about how amazing and wonderful it is (you'd expect it to be because well 1) It's written by Cassandra Clare 2) IT's MAGNUS BANE)

So  basically, this book is all stories about Magnus. Stories from before The Infernal Devices, during and then during The Mortal Instruments. I has all the characters that we love the most in it and genuinely made me laugh (especially the last chapter).

If you are thinking of reading this I would advise reading both TID and TMI before you do as it could spoil some things for you.

It is in both physical copy and ebook, but the ebooks are separate stories whereas the physical book has the stories all together. All three writers did an amazing job on this, the writing was beautiful.

I would give this book 5 stars! It's so so cute and ideal for any 'book hangovers' as it's a standalone and quite lighthearted. (It also got me out of a slight slump).

*** SPOILER SECTION***

So the first chapter is about Peru and what happened (we never really find out) but the best moment for me is when we find out that Magnus was a pirate because that's what Max wants to be and it just made me want to burst into tears.

The stories about the Hotel Dumort was really interesting for me because I was really intrigued by Magnus' relationship with Camille and how the Hotel Dumort came to be.

MY FAVOURITE PART HAD TO BE ALL OF THE MALEC. The awkward date, the present buying, the voicemails. I just loved it. And when Magnus rings Catarina and asks her what to get Alec and she just replies 'Magnus I have lives to save' and hangs up . I loved how we see Magnus and Catarinas friendship too because that not really in any details in the other series.

Overall I loved this book and i would really recommend it if you're a Magnus lover, like myself.

Exam season

Just a short update for you all! 

I am currently preparing for my exams so haven't been reading as often as I'd like to and as a result, there may not be any reviews (or few reviews) for a while. I'm so sorry but unfortunately exams have to come first! I will still be posting photos on my Instagram though which is theperksofalisha. 

To all those with exams, I wish you so much luck and I'm sure that you'll all do great! 'May the odds be ever in your favour'. 

Cassandra Clare Signing

So, today I went to the Birmingham Waterstones signing for the one, the only.... CASSANDRA CLARE!!

It was absolutley amazing and I felt a desperate need to do a post about the events of the day. So if you're expecting a book review, I'm afraid that this isn't going to be one, sorry!

So I started the day by having my friend Hollie arrive at my house at 8 so that we could get the bus to Birmingham and get there reasonably early (because we knew that it would be popular I mean... It's Cassie).

We then got there at around 11:30 and went to see that there was a queue that had alrady started (that wasn't actually allowed until 3pm but oh well) so we joined the queue and met some new friends, one of whom had written malec fanfic during the wait. (And I met Ren who is just as obsessed with Malec and their offspring as I am and it makes me so, so happy, if you want to look her up, her youtube is renontheroad).

BUT YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THAT, YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT CASSANDRA CLARE DON'T YOU?!

She was so lovely. She had about 800 people queued around all of the way to Moor Street station and wanted to get through them all and that was so nice of her to think about all 800 of us. They also gave us water in the line which was so consderate, thank you Waterstones. When we got there, we were told that she was signing Lady Midnight and then stamping two others, which we were all perfectly fine with because after all, it's cassie and she's queen. So I brought City of Bones and The Bane Chronicles.

When I met her, I told her about my love for her books and how they got me into reading and she said 'ahh I'm so happy that you've read them, thank you for reading them' and it's just made me so happy. Then she was like 'also I love your runes' because my friends and I had all dressed as shadowhunters and had runes everywhere. On the way out we then got an exclusive poster just for the tour atendees and it's so beautiful!

If you get the chance to go to one of  her signings I would really recommend it and for anyone that is going to one...... GET. THERE. EARLY.

Review - Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Oh. My. God. 

What a book. I'm actually speechless... That ending... Wow...

Anyway, this book has just... I just can't describe how happy it has made me. There are more stories from the shadow world and I'm just so happy that Cassie has continued writing in this brilliant world that's she's created. 

The amount of twists in this book was just, wow. I expected none of what happened, especially towards the end! 

One of the best things about this book is that it featured the TMI characters and you get to see how they've progressed in life and their relationship developments and we get to also see a new family that has been mentioned before but not loads - the Blackthorns. In this world we haven't yet this family but in this book were introduced to so many of them and they all have such wonderful personalities. 

I love the depth of the parabatai bond that Julian and Emma have and it was explained in such detail that I have a better understanding of the shadow world from it. 

This might be slightly biased, based on the fact that I love Cassandra Clare and her books (because they're so fab) and even have a whole shelf of them but this book is worth the Five stars that I want to give it. If you haven't read any of Cassie's books then WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! UNDER A ROCK?! READ THEM NOW! 

In all seriousness, if you love dystopian reads such as The hunger games, Divergent, etc, then you are bound to love this and The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices and literally anything by Cassandra Clare (because she's a genius) 

*** NOW ONTO THE SPOILER SECTION SO DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ BECAUSE YOU WILL WANT TO FIND HIS ALL OUT FOR YOURSELF***

MARK BLACKTHORN YOU CHEEKY BUGGER. The ending 'why lie' I was just like... WAIT WHAT! Does that mean he has feelings for her? Is he getting back at Christina? Is he just doing it to save his brother? WHO KNOWS?! Also on the subject of Mark, I like the whole 'surprise, I kinda have a boyfriend' twist that happened. I love the memories that those two had shared and how, Kieran was all that he had. 

JEM AND TESSA HI. Thank you for putting us out of our misery as to why parabatai can't love each other, it was killing me. 

Malcom, why? Love drives you to do crazy things but this guy, going to extreme lengths and although everyone was like 'it's cool, were safe now'at the end of the book.  HOW WRONG YOU WERE. SURPRISE: EPILOGUE

Malec also have a child! A little blue warlock child named Max, Max! That actually made me smile that they actually called him Max. Jace and Clary are also still together and quite close with Emma, surprisingly. And then throughout I was like 'But what about Simon and Izzy' because we learn about Simon and Clary being parabatai but nothing else about Simon really. Then, engagement party! Simon and Izzy! GAH!  

Kit! Christopher Herondale, Herondales everywhere honestly (I knew he was too sassy to function, hence the Herondale blood) that was the best twist because he had just lost his dad, but gained a whole new family and found out that he's a shadowhunter! I can't wait to see how he progresses in the next book. 

I could honestly write pages and pages about this book because, it was just so brilliant and Cassie (if you actually read this) thank you so much. 

Reading update

Hello!

Sorry I've been a bit quiet, that's what loads of reading and work does to you. I have changed my current read and thought that I should let you guys know what's going on. 

I've recently received my copy of LADY MIDNIGHT and I've mentioned that I was getting it in previous posts so... You'll already know that I am pretty excited. 

Due to the fact that I'm meeting Cassandra Clare (I know I'm literally bouncing off of the walls) in about 2 weeks, I wanted to read it before hand and I'm doing a read along with my friend Hollie. 

Meaning, I have put The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night Time on pause for a bit. I'm so sorry to all that wanted that review so that they can read it but it will be up soon after I've finished Lady Midnight. 

If you have Instagram I now have an account for my blog so that you don't need to subscribe by email if you don't want to, as I tell you when I post on there too! It's theperksofalisha. 

I hope you've all had a nice Easter and if you're meeting Cassandra Clare at any point let me know! I'd love to talk about it. 

 

Review - If I Stay by Gayle Forman

So this book... wow. It took me a a while to read because I've literally had no time lately and that's why I haven't posted in a while so, sorry about that. 

 The storyline of this book (if you didn't already know) is about a girl (Mia) who gets into a car crash and as a results goes into a coma. But, she is able to see things going on around her. I loved that you could still see her perspective on things even though she's not there. 

The writing was so great and it felt like I was actually Mia and living (well, not living exactly but...)  her life. 

The flashback sections were amazing and I loved how you got to see her life before the accident so that it explained what happened after and what people had said to her whilst she was in the coma.

The only downside to this book is that not much happened. there weren't any massive events apart from the crash so if  you're looking for something action packed, this isn't for you. If you're only just starting reading again or have a book hangover, this is perfect as it's not too long either. 

It was so cute and yes, I will admit, I did cry at one part. I give this book 3.5 stars.

*** SPOILER SECTION **

Okay so Kim is the sweetest person in this book and I feel like I could relate to her the most with her rambling. And I also just want her as a friend.

Adam kinda annoyed me with the whole 'don't go to Julliard' vibe that he was giving off and I just wanted her to wake up and be like 'I'm going', get up off of that bed and go straight there. But of course that didn't happen....

I did like the fact that the her relatives made her feel at ease and thought it was quite realistic in that sense (not that I know what a coma's like). But I am glad that she chose to stay, although it was quite a predictable ending. 

Overall a really cute and interesting read 

Review - Half Wild by Sally Green

Another review!!! Half Wild was such a great 2nd book in this trilogy, you'd usually expect the 2nd book to be a let down but this was so action packed that I wasn't bored at all! 

Admittedly, it did take a while for things to pick up but once it did, it was great!  

If you haven't read Half Bad, the first book in the series I highly suggest that you do because that's equally amazing, if not better. And I just don't know why you haven't read it yet... Do it... NOW. 

The cliffhanger that this is left on makes me want the 3rd book like right now. 

If you are a fan of witchy books or distopian books, this is for you! I give the book 4 stars :) 

***SPOILER SECTION***

GABRIEL. NATHAN. NABRIEL? GATHAN? EIther way I just wanted them to be together because in my head, that idea is the cutest thing ever and so much better than Annalise. 

She actually annoys me if I'm completely honest, through out the last 100 pages she was just so negative I couldn't deal with her. 

The small glimpses of bonding between Nathan and Marcus were so amazing and it gave me a real sense of family, like they had been close for the whole book. 

Van and Nesbitt were the funniest characters and I felt like Nesbitt and I would get on so well! It also seemed that Nathan was slowly accepting them as his family in the book and I liked that idea. 

ALSO, THE STUPID PROPHECY. 

Why, why did Marcus have to die. THAT'S ALL THE FAMILY HE HAS THAT DON'T HATE HIM. At the start of the book I was convinced that it wasn't going to be true and that I didn't want it to be true but it was and so many tears noooooooooo. 

Review - The Night We Said Yes by Lauren Gibaldi

(This review won't have a spoiler section because it's quite a short book and I don't want to spoil any of it)

This book is one of the cutest books I've ever read. It's a contemporary stand alone book and it's perfect for curing any book hangovers you may have.

It's set in the present day but has flash backs. The protgonist is called Ella and she meets Matt for the first time in the THEN sections of the book and in the NOW sections, it's where she see's him again. The events in the THEN chapters link to the NOW chapters and explain why thats happened in the NOW and you start to get the cute inside jokes.

This book has made me want to keep bracelets of each amazing day/night that I have because thats what Meg and Ella do in the book and I think it's such a cute idea.

OMG THIS BOOK WITHOUT THE DUST JACKET IS SO BEAUTIFUL YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND. So basically you need to buy it in hardback to get the full experience because I promise you, you wont regret it.

It's strangely relatable, everyone knows a couple which are so dysfunctional - that they just work together and you don't expect the two people to be with anyone else but eachother.

The only negative thing that I could think of was that the ending was quite cheesy but kind of a good cheesy? And the outcome of Ella seeing Matt (without spoiling) was predictable... BUT OTHER THAN THAT, AMAZING.

Overall I LOVED this book, all I wish is that there was a sequel so I could see more relationship development  (but that's just because I love it that much). You should definitley think about getting it in whatever form you wish because I'm so glad that I did.

I give this book 4 stars!

Review - Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Oh. My. God.

What a great end to a great trilogy. So many twists that made me both cry and laugh. 

Also, because I have read The Mortal Instruments before this series so many things were starting to make sense so if you haven't read TMI I'd recommend reading these first. 

Normally the third book in a trilogy is a let down but Cassandra Clare had gone against that because there are so many things that happen that you wish for in the second book. 

You find out so much more depth in this book and the turn of events lead me satisfied with the ending - it makes me so happy 

I give this 5 stars 

*** AND NOW FOR THE VERY SPOILERY SECTION SO PLEASE DO NOT READ IT IF YOU DONT WANT TO BE SPOILED ***

What an adventure. Magnus in this book took a journey himself and we get to see his caring side. From when he assists Will, when he helps Henry with the portal, and when he comforts Tessa after the loss of Will. I love this side of Magnus (eventhough I am a lover of his sassy side) 

Tessa. So many times throughout the  book I kept feeling like Mortmain was going to win and he was going to get her. But I'm so glad that he didn't and I'm also very happy that Tessa got to love both Will and Jem and experience two different lives within the book. The development that Tessa went through in this is amazing! When she changes into the Angel, her bravery was refreshing and something I'd never seen before. Go Tessa! 

Jem. You were responsible for most of my tears. First you use up the drug trying to please Tessa. Then, you have us think that you die but you come back during the battle and a silent brother - BROTHER ZACARIAH - and then you become mortal again. Too many feels James Castairs

Will. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! He gets Tessa in the end. The part where he finds Tessa and they're together just made me want to jump up and down, it really did. And they have children. And Jem plays to him before he dies and I was just so happy for him and all the developments in relationships. 

Jessamine. I was so sad when she does and thought that we would never see her again but the part when she comes back and tells Will to propose was amazing and I loved it. 

BYE MORTMAIN. The part that made me want to stab him was when he made Tessa change into his father just.... UUGGGGHH. But the infernal devices failed and all is well now 

SOPHIE AND GIDEON

CECILY AND GABRIEL

CHARLOTTE AS CONSUL 

BABY FAIRCHILDS AND ALL THE OTHER SHADOW HUNTERS

YAY FOR ALL

Book purchases

Hi guys!

So I haven't finished Clockwork Princess yet I'm only 173 pages in because I've just been so busy. However, I visited waterstones today and picked up some new books (I really shouldn't have sorry bank account) that I thought I'd share with you

First book - The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge

I saw the book one of the stands around the shop and the tag line at the top caught me right away. 'There's no such things as a little white lie'. So I read to blurb and needed to buy it! This book has also been named Costa's book of the year for 2015 so if it's good enough for Costa, it's good enough for me. 

Second book - Throne of Glass by Sarah J Mass

I've wanted this book for ages now because Sasha (abookutopia) and Ben (benjaminoftomes) two of my favourite book tubers have reviewed it and loved it so I thought that I'd give it ago. 

Onto the TBR pile they go 

X

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Hey guys!

So I've finished Clockwork Prince, the second book in The Infernal Devices trillogy by Cassandra Clare and safe to say it was AMAZING. The writing was brilliant and Will Herondale is such a babe in this book!! (Along with Magnus who is so sassy I can't even). Also, I was not expecting the twist whatsoever and it's so shocking but so brilliant at the same time.

I was expecting a lot from this book given my love for Cassandra Clare and the quality of the first book and my expectations were met, if not exceeded. 

If you are a fan of distopian worlds such as the hunger games or the divergent series you will love this series and if you've read The Mortal Insteuments and haven't read this series what are you doing. 

I give this book a 4 out of five stars and will be reading Clockwork Princess next, I've heard it's heartbreaking and I'm so scared but excited at the same time!

***FROM NOW ON THIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHYYYYYYYYYYYY

So this is now the spoiler section so if haven't read the book Don't not read this section - even though they're subtle spoilers I don't want to ruin anyone's experience of this book.

My 4 out of 5 star rating did not reach the full 5 stars because of the ending. SHE MADE THE WRONG CHOICE!! Will is so hillarious and charming (obviously I mean, he is a Herondale) why wouldn't you choose him?! Stupid! Also, Will's obsession with Demin Pox is hillarious. 

However, I do love Magnus in this book and I feel like he is more of himself in this book than the first in the series.

JESSAMINE WHY

Charlotte and Henry at the end of this book makes me really happy, the whole way through this book I was rooting for them to be happy and they finally were.  

Jem. So, Jem, at the start of the book I thought he was going to end up with Sophie but nooooooooooooo things can't go like that because we're expecting it. I do like who he ends up with though. 

Tessa... YOU MADE THE WRONG CHOICE

And Sophie, even though she is not with Jem, her relationship developments are very very very exciting!!!

 

I hope you enjoyed this review, let me know if there's anything else you want to know or discuss :)

X

Reading slump!

Hi guys!

So it seems I've hit a reading slump... And it's bad. So bad that I don't feel like in getting anywhere in the night circus so, I've decided to change book to...... CLOCKWORK PRINCE BY CASSANDRA CLARE!!!!

Some of you might know, Cassandra Clare is my all time favourite author and I'm hoping her words of wisdom and imagination can pull me out of this reading slump. Sorry this was a short post, just wanted to keep you updated. WISH ME LUCK!

x

A Fresh Start

Hi guys!

I've been away for ages and I'm so so sorry, I just didn't feel like I had anything valuable to post. So now, I'm giving myself a theme. This blog is now going to be purely (or mostly) book related. As you may or may not know, I'm a lover of books and have my favorites and, of course, my least favorites and I'd love to share each any every one of them with you. I'm sorry if this sudden content change is not for you, it's just what I want to post and what I can be happy about posting.

I plan to write a whole load of reviews and you guys and follow my reading journeys both on here, and on goodreads.com with this link https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31839975-alisha . I'm currently reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and so far, it's amazing and I can't wait to see where it goes.

I hope you'll enjoy future posts and see you all soon!

x