Hello everybody! The weather this week in Scotland has been amazing and I've finally managed to kick start my summer 'tan'. The change in weather has also coincided with my urge to read more books. It's definitely a cliche but I do tend to either read 5 books in 1 week or 1 book in 5 weeks. I've decided to review 3 or 4 books each weekend until the end of the summer. This weeks choices are 'City of Fallen Angels,' 'One Day' and 'Insurgent.'
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
Blurb: "The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.
But nothing comes without a price.
Someone is murdering Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other one.
When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels."
(That's one heck of a blurb!)
Characters: 7/10
Plot: 7.5/10
Overall: 8/10
Conclusion: The character development was excellent, particularly of Simon. I feel like this series is getting darker with each book, which is a little bit worrying as C.O.L.S was heartbreaking enough for me. Jace and Clary's relationship hits the proverbial rocks and it's very very interesting to see how the two act when they're arguing. The introduction of yet more enemies and the lack of Valentine mean we see other parts of the Downworlds and the creepy Steelie Fairy keeps popping up with her unwanted predictions. Can't wait to read the 5th book so I'm finally caught up to date before the movie in August.
One Day by David Nicholls
Blurb: "Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that? And every year that follows?
Twenty years, two people, ONE DAY."
Characters: 7/10
Plot: 8/10
Overall: 7/10
My Opinion: Up until the last few chapters I felt like this book was kind of bland. However with the ending being so heart wrenchingly brilliant I realised that 'One Day' is actually an incredibly clever view on life as a whole. I put it down and had to sit there for a minute reflecting on how unfair life can be at times, which can only be the sign of a good book. There's a quote on the back of the book from someone whose name I can't remember that says something like 'You leave the book feeling like you've gained two friends' which is really true, you certainly get to know 'Dex and Em' very well.
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Blurb: "One choice can transform you, or destroy you. Every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves, and herself, while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love."
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 7/10
Overall: 8/10
Conclusion: I adored Divergent but Insurgent doesn't quite live up to it, I still enjoyed Insurgent so so much and I especially loved that Tris was totally broken up after the (horrific) events at the end of the first book. Too often we see heroes and heroines in books that brush off near death experiences and the deaths of loved ones with a single 'heart to heart' and then swiftly lead the army into another battle. Props to Veronica Roth for this realistic view. The character development for people like Peter and Tobias was good too, and Christina is swiftly becoming one of my favourite characters. The ending is excellent, and brings a little bit of light back into what otherwise would have been a very very dark book. The exploration of the other Factions was really interesting too.
Phew. That's enough book reviewing to last me for at least a week. I'll post something on Wednesday, I'm thinking maybe a film related post, just something that's not music related. If any of you have suggestions then leave a comment and I'll try to do that. Hope the weather continues and you all have a good few days.
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