The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel

Clockwork Angel is the first book in The Infernal Devices trilogy, which is a prequel to Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series. In the late 1800's, Tessa Gray has just moved to London from New York and is abducted by a pair of strange women called the Dark Sisters, who reveal to Tessa that she is something other than human. Tessa is thrown into the secret world of Shadowhunters, Downworlders, and demons, where she struggles to discover the truth about who she is while searching for her missing brother and falling for two Shadowhunters. Jem is beautiful, patient, and understanding, while Will is a tortured rebel who Tessa cannot figure out. I loved Clockwork Angel and am excited to read the rest of the series. The Shadowhunter world is unique and intriguing, and it is interesting to see the similarites to The Mortal Instruments and how the story began. I can hardly wait for all the secrets and mysteries to be unveiled in the coming books!

Witch & Wizard: The Gift

I was content, but not overly excited by the second book in James Patterson's Witch & Wizard series. The story continues seamlessly from the first. Whit and Wisty are leaders in the Resistance and trying to stay one step ahead of The One Who is The One, which seems impossible. The One is especially determined to get ahold of Wisty's "Gift", and the siblings fight for the lives of their friends, parents, and themselves while trying to uncover and control their Gifts. James Patterson has a way of making his stories relatable and intriguing. The series just isn't remarkable enough to sweep me away.

Crescendo

The sequel to Hush, Hush was greater than I ever could have hoped and almost too much to bear. My heart broke with every word I read, and the pages nearly dripped with abandonment and betrayal. I wanted to curl up and mourn for Nora as her comfortable world was ripped apart. Of course nothing is ever what it seems, but Crescendo paints a vivid picture of hopeless despair laced with tumultuous agony. I ache for more from Becca Fitzpatrick.

Hush, Hush

I loved this book! Loved, loved, loved. Instead of being a sappy love story about star-crossed lovers, Hush, Hush is full of mystery, intrigue, and desire. It is much darker than any other paranormal romance I've read. Halfway through the book, Nora still has no reason to suspect Patch is a fallen angel. But there is the question of whether he wants to harm her, save her, or simply seduce her. I loved the banter and attraction between Nora and Patch, and whether or not they end up together, the road to the end is riveting.

Fallen: Torment

I enjoyed reading Fallen and looked forward to the sequel, but for me Torment fell flat. I frequently found myself questioning Luce's judgement, and intelligence for that matter. There are so many questions surrounding Daniel, Luce, and the angels, I wonder if Lauren Kate even knows the answers or if she is making it up as she goes along. Why can Luce see the announcers? Clearly she's more than merely human, but do we really need to wait until the third book to know that? Why do some fallen angels look like high school students, while others appear much older? Also, the truce between the "good" fallen angels and the "evil" fallen angels seems random, and ends abruptly. On that note, did the author do any research on fallen angels before writing a series of novels about them? If they are "fallen", why weren't their wings stripped? Aren't the Nephilim supposed to be an abomination, not celebrated as being gifted? The worst part was the end. Instead of being left in suspense and anticipating the next book in the series, I was annoyed by Luce's stupidity and Daniel's weakness. Overall, I was disappointed by Torment.

Chronicles of Nick: Infinity

Ever try to read a book so excruciatingly painful you thought you might never pick up another book? This is it. I was torn between feeling appalled at the terrible writing and sentence composition, and intrigued by the promise of demons, zombies, werewolves, and something more mysterious. Nick, the main character, had conflicting personality characteristics and didn't seem at all developed. Also, I don't need or want to read about a 14-year-old boy's fantasies. After literally grinding my teeth and trudging through 100 pages of filth, I accepted Infinity as a waste of time and tossed it in the trash where it belongs without a second thought.

The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid

I had a hard time getting into Rick Riordan's first book in The Kane Chronicles. I knew the book was about Egyptian gods and mythology, so I expected it to thrill me as Percy Jackson & the Olympians had. But I know very little about egypt and less about Egyptian mythology. The relationship between siblings Carter and Sadie Kane is strained and unfamiliar, bordering on awkward. Bratty, condescending Sadie irritated me to no end, and I found myself rooting for Carter although the two were working toward the same goal. Near the end of the book it finally grabbed my interest. The Red Pyramid wrapped up nicely and I will read the next book, however I will not be waiting on the edge of my seat.

Fallen

Fallen is without a doubt the best fantasy love story I've read in years. On her first day at Sword & Cross reform school, Luce finds herself instantly attracted to two boys. Cam is polite and very charming. But then there is Daniel... Luce is drawn to Daniel and senses a familiarity she can't explain, but he keeps pushing her away. As she eventually grows closer to Daniel, Luce becomes more certain that he is hiding an impossible secret and that there is more to her past that even she could guess. Lauren Kate's writing is not the best, and the characters are not fully developed, but I think I enjoyed the story because I want to believe in the kind of love that is passionate, unavoidable, and consuming.

Shiver

Shiver is about a girl named Grace who has spent her life fascinated by the wolves who live in the woods behind her house. She has a special bond with one wolf in particular, and when she meets Sam in his human form Grace is drawn into the world of werewolves. The two were destined for each other, but their bliss is short-lived. Sam can only stay human as long s the weather is warm, so the pair race to find a cure as winter is fast approaching. Maggie Stiefvater's writing is a little too poetic for my taste, and Grace's character lacks much depth and compassion. Overall I enjoyed reading Shiver, however, the plot and love story give off too much of a Twilight-vibe.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Demigod Files

The Demigod Files is a supplement to Rick Riordan's series, Percy Jackson & the Olympians. The books starts with a foreword by the author, introducing it as a survival guide for young demigods. Included are interviews with current residents of Camp Half-Blood, as well as three short stories about Percy's quests that would have taken place before The Last Olympian. The Demigod Files are not a crucial part of Riordan's legacy, but I enjoyed reading more about the heroes of Camp Half-Blood.