City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Ashes

Author: Cassandra Clare

Release Date: March 24, 2009; US Paperback

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Edition Read: US Paperback (452 pages)

       City of Ashes was very difficult to grade, because I couldn't help but be biased over the fact that I liked City of Bones so much. I had very high expectations and needless to say it exceeded my expectations. Unfortunately, its predecessor was a lot better, although they received the same grade in the end.

 

          The beginning was really good, but surprisingly I was disgusted on the non-incest relationship rather than the incest aspect of the novel. I felt that it didn't fit and it was downright gross. I will not say who it was between, but it's revealed in the first fifty pages. I also liked the darker aspect of the book. Jace's playful humor had a darker tone this time around, and although still very charming, Clare seems to already set up the tone of the next novel, preparing her readers for the worst. If the series were constructed this way, I'll be downright impressed and will definitely enjoy the climactic end.

          The middle was also very exciting, showing even more action than the first book. Like I mentioned in the City of Bones review, Clare's writing has a lot of interesting plot twists and turns that are really exciting to be involved in. The book's pace is well done and the middle did not drag at any point at all. I found the events fun and riveting. A great rising aaction to a very climactic ending.

           The ending has a great battle scene! This series may well be designed for a movie, because the actions are vivid and descriptive. You, as a reader will feel as if Jace Wayland is fighting right beside you, trying to save you from getting killed. The new concepts interact well with the ending and the fact that Cassandra Clare is not afraid to throw in a lot of death in a book is very refreshing.

            The plot is still very exceptional and completely amazing like its predecessor and its more driven and easier to understand. However, it is next to impossible to understand this book if the first one is not read. The characters are still compelling and I love Clary's short interaction with Max! I just need to learn to accept Clary's faults for no heroine is great without some fault. The writing is still great and well paced out; enough said.

             The cover is okay...but I can't help but wonder why Clary is blue in this book cover. it's driving me crazy and grosses me out. I feel like I'm staring at a mermaid. And as always, this novel could not get anymore original than it already has.

Grading Scale:

Beginning: 14.3/15  95%
Middle:   19/20 95%
Ending:   23.5/25  94%
Plot:    10/10   100%
Characters:  10/10 100%
Writing:   10/10   100%
Cover:  3.8/5 76%
Originality 5/5 100%

OVERALL: 96%  A+ 
         

City of Bones  by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Bones

Author: Cassandra Clare

Original Release Date: March 27, 2007 (with 497 pages)

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Edition Read: Paperback (485 pages)

         City of Bones is about a girl named, Clarissa Fray who embarks on a journey in a world of Shadowhunters (demon killers). One night at a club, she witnesses a murder committed by three teenagers. Here she meets, Jace, an arrogant, exceptionally skilled Shadowhunter who pulls Clary into his world. Soon, Clary is drawn to a whirlwind of mysteries, in which she discovers the truth about her family, her past, and herself.

          The beginning did not fail to pull me into reading the book, but the setting did bore me a bit. The book opens in a club, the Pandemonium, in which Clary drags her friend. However, being a curious teenager, Clary follows a certain teenager whom she witnesses getting murdered. That is when the novel entrances you in its pages; the killing. The beginning also introduces you to most of the main characters, but the most noticeable is Jace. Being a bit biased, I did not expect this book to have any romance, but it did and it caused me to shift my views about the book, making me read further.

          The middle of the novel was a whirlwind of fun. In the beginning, Clare introduces arrogant Jace, and explains a bit of his past. The ghosts of his past sparks a curiosity none like other. The fast pace and uniqueness of the novel was just so entertaining that putting down the book was not an option. It were a if I was begging time to lend me a few more minutes (even hours) so I could read another chapter.
          Endings are very tough to judge on their quality, because they are what matters most to a book. An ending that pretty much sucks can bring a hell of a great novel, to one of the worst a person can ever read. It goes the same way for a horrible novel with a fantastic ending. Needless to say, this ending did neither, because the beginning was GREAT and the ending was FANTASTIC! It was very movie-like, already hinting at a sequel before a person can even wonder whether or not there is going to be a sequel. However, the ending was a bit boring, but that was due to the lengthy dialogue of explanations and the fact that I was rushing to end it.
          The plot was VERY unique, including anything you can think of and some that aren't even known to man. Plainly from Cassandra Clare's mind, the plot has so much depth that it's such a fascination to venture on through the novel.
          Although the characters had perfect roles, namely Jace, I couldn't help but be bothered by Clary's insecurity. What makes a main character weak is their inability to have confidence in themselves, and this was even on a mior thing: her beauty. Then, as you see Jace and Clary's relationship progress, you will notice a sort of Disney princess type of relationship going on. However, Clary also has many great qualities that makes her insecurity only a tiny bit annoying.
          Cassandra Clare's writing is phenomenal with profound vocabulary and eloquency. Clare is like the Simone Elkeles (expert on YA romance) of adventure. Her debut novel proves to be a worthy read that is impressively a page turner from the very first page.
           The cover was good, and the fact that Jace is on the cover is amusing. It proves that he is  basically the main reasons City of Bones was even written. Needless to say, the originality is very genuine and the inclusion of myths were fun to surf through!

Grading Scale:
Beginning:  14/15  93%
Middle: 20/20 100%
Ending: 23/25 92%
Plot: 10/10 100%
Characters: 9/10 90%
Writing: 10/10 100%
Cover: 5/5 100%
Originality: 10/10 100%
OVERALL: 96 A

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Title: Fallen

Author: Lauren Kate

Page Number: 452

Release Date: December 8, 2009

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Edition Read: Paperback 

Paperback Release Date: September 28, 2010

       Fallen by Lauren Kate tells the story of a young adult, Luce Price who is forced to go to a reform school: Sword & Cross, due to a tragic event that occurred, for which she has been blamed for. Arriving at Sword & Cross, Luce feels as if there are many secrets to unfold and she sets off along with her new friend, Penn, to discover them. 

     

            Fallen tells a beautiful romantic story that is passionately forced to constantly see heartbreak and how Luce Price & Daniel Grigori fight for their right to love against those that will to pry them apart. 

           As you begin to read the novel, you are instantly thrown in a boat of confusion that you constantly feel the need to unravel. We are introduced to a couple of seemingly juvenile kids at Sword & Cross who have an ominous vibe to them. As you mostly see Fallen's world in Luce's eyes, we are instantly introduced to two guys that pose the two sides of the coming love triangle. We are introduced to Cam, a sweet, rock star kid who seems to have a knack of being overly nice to Luce as he is initially attracted to her. Then, you will meet Daniel Grigori who will instantly besmirch Luce. However, if you read the synopsis on the back, you'll be compelled to know that he is basically the male lead in this book. 

        Moving on to the middle part, you will find yourself a bit bored--almost-- forcing yourself to plow through page after page. Not much happens except for the ever present weirdness that occurs to Luce in Sword & Cross. She also relives an experience that are awkwardly connected, but it still fails to draw you into the book. 

                However, as you progress towards the middle's end, you are thrown in this chaotic world that unravels itself to the point where you will devour page after page. You will also encounter a very romantic speech that will just completely cause your opinions to divert in favor to this certain character. 

                  Getting to the ending is where it really gets going for everything is revealed in a beautiful manner that reveals such mind boggling information that forces you to go into shock. The ending is where the most dramatic scenes come into play and will force you to definitely give this book a positive review (as it did me). 

          Unfortunately, the plot was not very relatable  and in some parts of the book it will appear very dry. It is difficult to enjoy a book that does not deal with similar experiences, especially if you are one of those who have never been to a reform school.

          However, the characters were very compelling and I was surprised to find that I was never annoyed with Luce for one bit. I feel that what she contemplates and does are clever and reasonable that I did not find any ounce of hate to give her. It is also very refreshing to go from disliking the main character and loving him in the end, for I despised Daniel Grigori's arrogant character from the beginning. By the end, however, after realizing his motives, I found myself melting at the sweetness of his character.

       The writing was excellent, save for the boring parts you will encounter in this book, namely the middle. The cover is also beautiful, but its successor definitely outshines it in some ways. Nevertheless, the novel is very original and one of the first angel related books out there (this is revealed on the synopsis, therefore I am not spoiling), but also settled in a very unlikely place. 

Grading Scale: 

Beginning:  10/15 67%

Middle:        15/20 75 %

Ending:       25/25 100 %

Plot:            9/10   90 %

Characters: 9.5/10 95%

Writing:      9.5/10 95%

Cover:         4.8/5   96%

Originality: 10/10 100%

Overall Score:  93 % A

Night by Elie Wiesel

Title: Night (Oprah's Book Club)

Author: Elie Wiesel

Page Number: 120

Publisher: Hill and Wang; Revised Edition

Published Date: January 16, 2006

          Night by Elie Wiesel tells the horrific events of the Holocaust during World War II. It describes the brutality that the Jews faced due to the Nazi's hostility. Retold by the author himself, Wiesel is forced to relive his experiences as he writes this powerful novel with a driven emotion that causes one to rethink his personal beliefs.

            Reading this novel for a class makes my opinions on it a lot more critical rather than reading it for personal entertainment. As I read with my English II class, I listened to many of the similar opinions that get simultaneously entertained to the point where I consider many views; causing me to alter my own personal beliefs. 

              The beginning of Night was not ultimately depressing and dark. If I were forced to read this book without a synopsis and a cover, I would not have assumed that this book will house the unfortunate events of the Holocaust. However, considering that the book is very short in length, it was difficult to decipher where the middle begins. I did not feel that there was hardly any buildup to the catastrophic events that ensued, but being told through a personal experience is taken into consideration. 

      

              Throughout the beginning Wiesel explains the ignorance the Jewish people in their town of Sighet and how they did not feel the brewing plan of the Nazi's against the Jews.

                  The middle was wonderfully written and thankfully honest. There was not an account where Wiesel is found sugarcoating; not even his own feelings. Mostly emotionally driven, the middle is very influential, because Eli insightfully supports his feelings and as you read, you will constantly question everything you  believe. 

                  The ending was satisfactory, and the honesty is still consistent which makes this Holocaust account very believable. However, the very last few pages was a bit disappointing because the feeling of happiness is not present; nor relief. 

                     The critical thoughts that this book influenced were very powerful that I was deeply in awe. My views were not moved, but I found myself questioning my faith (Roman Catholicism) and asking why did this really happen. The book also caused a turmoil of emotions and I constantly felt depressed, angry, or whatever Wiesel was feeling at the moment. 

             

                    The descriptions also deserve a lot of recognition for they were so vivid and honest that you can almost picture what it's like to be in a concentration camp in Auschwitz. However, considering the grotesque brutality that occurred, one can never really put themselves in the shoes of the unfortunate Jews. 

                     The writing was also very sincere and insightful. Wiesel was so wonderful at conveying emotion through writing that one will simply remember this book for the rest of their life. It is simply unforgettable and thought provoking. 

             

                   However, as you read this book, you will notice that it is filled with a lot of information. Being a personal account, we are more open to Wiesel's emotions rather than having every detail pinpointed and revealed. Nevertheless, the novel is still powerful that the little bit of revealed information is still passable for an account of the Holocaust.

                      It is also refreshing to read a book of what has happened in concentration camps through a male's point of view. Having read Rena's Promise and watching The Diary of Anne Frank, I mostly just knew of what happened in the concentration camps for women. Plus, Wiesel's constant foreshadowing is also refreshing for we get more insight to what really occurs. 

Grading Scale:

Beginning: 12/15   80 %

Middle: 20/20        100%

Ending: 20/25        80%

Influence: 10/10    100 % 

Description: 10/10 100 %

Information 5/10    50 %

Extra: 5 points

Overall Score  91% B+ 

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto is a very brave book that delves into the unique world of angels and their relationship with humanity. Mainly a story about falling in love. Halo has three angels: Gabriel, Ivy, and Bethany who have been sent from Heaven to save a small town from an impending doom. Throughout the novel, these angels experience what it’s like to be human and the complexity that comes along. 

In Halo, the youngest, Bethany is very attuned to human life and emotion. After living as a human for quite some time, she falls in love with a local boy, Xavier. Knowing that their love is utterly forbidden, they defy the Higher Powers above, in hopes of having the privilege to stay together.

The beginning of Halo was a bit boring with a sprinkle of humor on the side. It mostly described the living complexities of being human and keeping up with taking diligent care of the body. The first one-hundred-fifty pages also described some of the town’s inhabitants and Bethany’s high school life. The only thing that kept me going is the hilarity that ensues whenever they have to take care of their body and the confusion with humans’ relationships with objects.

The middle was also a bit dragged out, only speaking of Bethany and Xavier’s relationship, and how they defied—basically God—to fight for their love. The love that this novel was based on was very unrealistic and a bit idealistic. The fact that a teenage boy can commit so easily is very difficult to believe. 

However, progressing to the ending is where the novel really stands out, for the ending is very well written and action-packed that the book became such a page turner. In the ending we are introduced to the war between angels and demons. The only unclear part was the last two pages prior the epilogue.

The characters were also very strong and exciting to read. Unfortunately, the length of the book hindered to the fact that I liked them so much, making some of them quite irritating. What drives me through a book is usually the male protagonist (in this case, Xavier), however as the book progressed, my interest in Xavier declined and I was bored with him by the end. However, throughout all of the characters, Bethany Church is who bothered me the most. Her insecurity and façade of inferiority is so infuriating. The fact that she’s a majestic angel does not match up with the idea of her being demure and insecure.

The plot was a bit lacking, with Adornetto’s descriptive words only filling the page. Some of it was pointless and dragged the novel out a bit. However the writing was very profound, descriptive, eloquent and insightful, making Adornetto seem to be a very experienced writer. 

The concept of the novel was also original and brave for including biblical aspects and Christian or religious theory, that somehow doesn’t attract a lot of readers. However the biblical aspects fit in well, making the novel great for critical thinking.

Lastly, the cover was mundane and a bit too cartoon-ish. It seems to be very anime-like which is disappointing.

Grading Scale:
Beginning: 10/15 67%
Middle: 13/20 65%
Ending: 23/25 92%
Plot: 7/10 70%
Characters: 8/10 80%
Cover: 3/5 60%
Writing: 10/10 100%
Originality: 4.5/5 90%

OVERALL: 79% C

In all honesty, the plot of Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick was very dependent on the sole relationship of Patch Cipriano and Nora Grey. Without the relationship falling apart, the story line would have fallen flat and useless; much like Maggie Stiefvater’s Linger.

Being an obsessed fanatic of the first book (and the series), I avidly devoted myself into saving money for Crescendo. Needless to say, I was a tad bit disappointed, because it lacked the creativity by having to follow the regular sequel formula of having to pry the characters apart after struggling to be together in the first place.

Also, the strongest characters in the book (Nora & Patch) seem to be less ardent about what they want. They fail to defend themselves (Patch) in dire times and they also come to ridiculous conclusions, failing to see reason (Nora). In the book, we come to a point where we witness Nora entertain the trait of becoming the jealous girlfriend we all despise in books.

In the story, Fitzpatrick entertains a multitude amount of side plots along with the weaker main plot. We are introduced to Scott Parnell, a childhood friend of Nora’s who seem to be hiding who he truly is. He attempts to resemble certain qualities of Patch, but fails to perform them in an adequate level. We are also focused on discovering Nora’s father’s killer; whom I did not expect to be. The truth about Nora’s family is discovered, and the side plots which have twists and turns show the strongest aspect of the novel.

The ending itself was very strong and the fact that flirty, hot and steamy scenes were still present gives this book a higher rating. I enjoyed the playful scenes along with Nora and Vee’s need to sleuth around playing spy. However, it is very unlikely that a reader who disliked Hush, Hush will end up falling in love with the series through Crescendo.

3.8/5 stars