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!

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!

Jane by April Linder

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is one of my favorite literary stories. It's not very often that you come across a great modern day adaption of a tale you already know and love. I found Jane a year ago, right before I graduated college, and it quickly became a favorite on my book shelf. 

In this adaption, Rochester is a recovering rock star, and Jane is a nanny on the road to self discovery and the freedom to do what she believes she can. The novel is told in Jane's point of view as she is hired to work for Nico Rathburn, a rock star that even Jane has heard of, due to her brother's love of rock music. With the many rumors and countless People articles about Nico's road to success, mysterious fall out and his upcoming album, Jane must find who the real person is behind the mask. As she adjusts to the new enviornment, and meets Maddy, Nico's daughter, she expects to barely see the celebrity, even on his own grounds, but he has other plans, and Jane soon finds herself in a completely different world than she has ever lived in. To find who she is, and even the true Nico Rathburn, Jane goes on a journey, both intellectual and spiritual to find where she belongs and how much she should listen to her own heart.

I recommend this novel to anyone who loves Jane Eyre, Rock Stars and Star Crossed Romance. Jane's voice is refreshing yet it stays true to the original and Nico Rathburn is an enigmatic character.