Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

The Infernal Devices trilogy has come to a close, and I find that I am strangely satisfied with the outcome. There are many unexpected twists and turns that drive an action based plot to it's epic conclusion. Tessa's past is revealed, and secrets are finally brought into the light. The characters grow and change to the point where their choice echoes the hero they wish to be. The love triangle is resolved, in a very interesting way, and the world of the Clave is restored to order. 

This book was focused on both the external and internal conflicts of the characters. Jem, Will and Tessa have extremely difficult choices to make, and a life hangs in the balance. While Charlotte and Henry do what they can to protect their family, the Magister is determined to bring his plan to its gruesome finale. 

What I enjoyed most about this book was the emotional ties that the reader has to the characters. Each character reaches a turning point, and you can't help but to have your heart go out to them. I can't say much more without spoiling the story, but I recommend both this book, and the trilogy as a whole to anyone who loves action, adventure, steam punk, paranormal stories and religious themes. The romance in this series is on an entirely differnet level than any paranormal teen novel I have read, and it does not follow the tropes, stereotypes and the general expectations of the situations. 

All in all a great read and a satisfying tale. 

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

As Tessa struggles between the truth of her birth, and the choice of her heart, the Magister continues his foul plan. From the epic history of the Clave to the subtle politics of the Downworlders, the story of The Infernal Devices continues. While the first book introduces the characters and leads up to the showdown between Tessa and the Magister, this book focuses more on the internal conflicts within the Clave and goes into more detail about the Shadow Hunters. Will is digging up his past. Tessa is confused about her future, and Jem is counting his days. Charlotte struggles with the constant disapproval of the Counsil, and Sophie is tested with her own beliefs. Even the Lightwood's, Gabriel and Gideon are challenged by the politics between their father and the leaders of the Institute. Amid all of this drama is the ever threatening presence of the Magister.

This book was another enjoyable read. The characters are complex, and nothing is as simple as good and evil in this scenario. Tessa herself is divided between who she loves most, the witty, dangerous Will or the kind, caring Jem. 

Much like the first book, this book had great dialogue and clever quotes. Some of my favorite quotes were Jem's. With his wisdom, kindness and bravery Jem has easily become my favorite character. Will is also put to the test, and shows another side that reveals much of the reason for his behavior in the first book. But Tessa's past is still a mystery, with her only hint being harsh words from her brother and the cryptic information from the Magister. With her identity in question, Tessa stands at a crossroads between who she believes she is and who she wishes to be. She must make extremely difficult moral decisons that reflect her view on goodness, honor and loyalty. 

I recommend this book to anyone that read the first book. It's another crazy adventure with moments of comedy, action and romance. On to the next book! The epic conclusion to the series!

Persuasion by Jane Austen

I first read Persuasion as a bitter seventeen year old. By then, my heart had been broken, and a dull echo of hope barely existed when I thought of romance. It's funny now, as I look back on it, but in many ways I owe my restored faith in true love to this novel. Anne was my spirit animal, living with a similar regret and despair, along with a loneliness based on something she felt she shouldn't have done. Her regret binds her to address the issue, that she is still in love with Fredrick Wentworth, some eight years after she refused him. The boring pattern of her life is interrupted when he returns quite suddenly back into her life, and she is forced to confront her feelings and reflect on them. 

In many ways, this is my favorite of Jane Austen's novels. While Pride and Prejudice is funny and charming, Persuasion is a deep and psychological tale of regret, chances and the random happenings in life. 

Anne herself is an observer, reflecter, thinker and a young woman with a warm heart. As she befriends Captain Benwick, she sees life in a new perspective and discovers that the past can't be changed, but there is always an opportunity to change the future. 

I recommend this book, especially to the heart broken. The story concerns what love really is, and whether it can last over a long absence. This book taught me that my silly Highschool crush was not meant to be, but living in regret doesn't help you change the present. 

Does Anne reconcile with Captain Wentworth? Does he still care for her? How does Anne cope with his sudden presence in her life? All these questions are answered, with human reflections on heartbreak, destiny and true love. 

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

I have come across the Shadow Hunters before this book, following Clary's Adventures in The Mortal Instruments books. The plot of the story was interesting, but the teen angst become boring and annoying very quickly. ( And I couldn't stand Jace.) I didn't pick up this series until my friend recommended The Infernal Devices, assuring me that it was a really great read. 

I must admit that this series is a pleasant surprise! Not only is the main character sensible, but the main cast is charming, all with their own unique flaws and quirks. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter are significant and clever add ons. There's fun dialogue and well thought out story lines.  Another plus is the love triangle, which is not ridiculous so far, and I actually like both Jem and Will. (Jem is my favorite character.) The plot itself is very interesting, with unpredictable twists and turns and a history that ties in with the previous series. 

The world of the Clave, the Downworlders and the Mundanes is not an easy task to manage, but Clare writes great explanations, and Tessa asks a lot of questions. 

I have already bought the second book in the series, and I recommend it to anyone that enjoys action, suspense, history, religion and of course romance. The book is very balanced in fleshing out the characters, adding interesting plot points and introducing the reader to the world of a Shadow Hunter. 

With a setting in London and a steampunk flair, Clockwork Angel is an entertaining read and a mix of paranormal worlds , mystery and adventure. Of course, it probably helps that the main character is a book worm. Still, this adventure is an exciting one!

Ink by Amanda Sun

Ink was one amazing ride through the world of Japan and the mythology of the Kami. Katie's voice, both in the english narrative, and her responses in Japanese show her struggle from being in a world she's always known and having no choice but to adapt to a world she has never known. She starts off the novel as a typical teenager and rebels the world around her in any way she can, but she can't help being drawn to Tomohiro Yuu, a tsundre in true fashion, and the strange events that occur when she is around ink. From a pen exploding to drawings moving on the page, she handles as much as she can without thinking she's crazy. But there is more than the loss of her mother triggering these events. Katie is tied to the ink by a destiny and curse that she can barely begin to understand. And as she begins to blend in to her new enviornment, a bigger threat awaits her as she becomes more interested in Tomohiro. 

This book was a nonstop read. I couldn't put it down, and I really enjoyed the descriptions of Japan's Sakura and Tanabata festivals. Katie is also an entertaining narrator, always throwing her two sense in the middle of an important scene. The references to both Japanese culture and mythology were a nice element to the story, and helped me see Japan through eyes that were not similar to my own. 

I recommend this story to anyone who loves Japan, and to anyone who doesn't know anything about Japan. I came to this novel knowing many things that were already explained, but I felt that the explanations added to the depth of the story's atmosphere and taught you a new perspective. I give this book five out of five cherry blossoms, and I can't wait for the next book!