The Mortal Instruments: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Glass

Author: Cassandra Clare (pen name)

Series: The Mortal Instruments

Prior Books: The City of Bones, The City of Ashes

Summary: Clary Fray is travelling to the City of Glass (home-base for the shadowhunters) to find the one person she thinks can save her mothers life. But she is in for a lot more than she bargained for: not only is it against the law for her to enter sans permission, but her assumed brother (they have a possibly incestuous relationship) is not happy. To top it off her friend Simon is kept prisoner. She allys herself with a mysterious shadowhunter Sebastian. As Valentine (her insane father) tries to initiate a war; the Downworlders are called on as possible allies. Clary is the key who is about to find out where everyones loyalties lie.

Thoughts: I've always loved this series, Cassandra Clare's writing makes the characters seem so real and the reader feels like they are looking right over their shoulders. The characters are also vivid and funny. The whole is-Jace-her-brother plot was really well done, while we all knew what the results would be, Clare still makes it suspenseful. In addition there is a lot more behind past events in the series that's revealed. I don't want to spoil this too much there is the kind of ending we all hope for. This is also probably the most action orientated out of the bunch. The Mortal Instruments has always done urban fantasy really well (the worlds blend together great) and even with a change of scenery it still maintains the same feeling as the previous two. Well done Miss Clare! (This book was so good, I skipped school to read it!)

Cover: I love the covers of the series, their gorgeous. However I don't like how they always stick a quote right in the center. It should join the other reviews on the back. I also want to know why Tamora Pierce's quote didn't earn center spot. (No offence to Miss Myer but Tamora is like the ruler of YA fantasy.) It's too bad there are only the 3 books because Simon, Alec, and Isabelle definitely deserve their own beautiful covers.

Rating: 5 stars (I realize this review sounded a little snappy but I really did love it)

PS:  The new inquisitor is somewhat reminiscent of Cornelius Fudge to me, anyone else picture him this way? Also anyone exited for the prequel trilogy? I cant wait to see Clare do Victorian England.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist - David Levithan and Rachel Cohn

Title : Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Authors : David Levithan, Rachel Cohn

Summary : Nick and Norah meet at a punk-rock club. Nick asks Norah to be his girlfriend for 5 minutes to avoid his ex-girlfriend Tris. He doesn't realize that Norah already knows the evil-ex. Or that she has an evil-ex of her own that she never really dumped. After Norah kisses Nick to avoid conversation with Tris they become a seven--minute-couple and go out in New York for an adventure. (This summary doesn't do the book justice.)

Thoughts : I liked the back-and-forth style of the novel (Rachel wrote Norah's chapters. David wrote Nicks.). It was paced well. All of the characters are real and likable (except Tal). It was a fantastic book. Nick and Norah are witty, charming and very interesting. I even like Tris the evil-ex. It ended on a high note. This book should be required reading for all human beings. It's hard to convey what a good book this is.

Cover : I have the movie cover which is lovely. I like the picture chosen and the title treatment. It also features the awesome Kat Dennings and Micheal Cera. The original cover is also quite nice. 

Rating : 5 stars

PS:  I also watched the movie and while different, its a pretty good adaption (it does villainize Tris a bit)