The Immortal Rules

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Being that I was introduced to the world of Fantasy and Science Fiction YA books by vampires, I still have a soft spot for their stories. This made it easy and instinctive for me to want to read this book. That and the fact that it was written by one of my favorite authors. Many people believe that the vampire created and portrayed in so many ways that it's impossible for it to be unique any longer. Julie Kagawa took a risk by fighting these thoughts, and it sure paid off.

Let's get straight to the point here. These vampires are bloodsuckers, and they must feed on human blood for survival. No one sparkles, and they all monsters. But according to the very wise Kanin, "There will come a time when the road before you splits, and you must decide your path. Will you choose to become a demon with a human face, or will you fight to become a demon until the end of time, knowing you will forever struggle alone?"

Allison Sekemoto is an Unregistered living in the Fringe of a vampire city. The advantage of this is that she doesn't have to answer to any vamps or their pets, doesn't have to go to the regular bloodletting. This also means that she is not provided with food, and she resorts to living with a few other teenagers in a "gang" to scavenge for food and for survival.

One day when her gang leaves the boundaries of the city in an attempt to retrieve a large store of food, they are attacked by the ravaging rabids. As Allie lies dying as a result the assault, a vampire known as Kanin offers her a choice. Death, or death and another chance to "live." Of course she picks the latter, and the show must go on.

When Allison ends up on her own, she eventually joins a group of humans where her struggle to remain as human as possible begins. But she will always be a monster.

I don't want to spoil anything, since that wouldn't be fun for anyone, so I'll just say that this story is one to remember. The internal struggle is just as thrilling as the ever so present action scenes. The mechanics of living life as a vampire are flawless and completely unique, as well as the concept of creating rabids. The only aspect that I didn't like was the times spent traveling and searching for food. Although I know it's essential and needs to be included, I've read a bunch of books where that's all it consists of and now it will get on my nerves in the slightest doses. So most everyone else will likely not be bothered by this.

And, as always, I must make a comment on the leading man of the book. Ezekiel. Stay strong. The odds will be overcome...hopefully. If the sequel to this comes out on NetGalley, you can bet that I will be requesting it :).

Highly recommended.

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Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cassandra Clare has done it again. After loving The Mortal Instruments series so much, I didn't think it was possible, but The Infernal Devices has proved itself to be even better. The characters have found a way into my heart and rooted themselves there in a way that no other author has been able to accomplish.

To start out, there's Tessa Gray. She has developed so much from the weak and innocent girl that she was at the beginning of Clockwork Angel. The betrayal of her brother Nate, her development of her ability to Change, and her new training with the Lightwood brothers has made her into a fighter. She is not useless and such an easy target in battles any longer. And when it comes to her love dilemma...I'm completely for Will, but the strength with which her emotions are delivered cause even myself to be torn. (When I take a step back though, I know I will always be rooting for Will.)

And then there's Will Herondale himself. Much more of his background is revealed, and we learn that he has been forced to distance himself from everyone in his life that may care for in the slightest way in fear that it could lead to their death. For 5 years he pushed everyone away, causing him to keep all his feelings to himself and make him into a hardened shell. When he finally has the chance to open up...it can only be too late *insert ominous music here*. He's so hot *insert FAN GIRL SCREAM here*.

I'm sorry James/Jem Carstairs, but I have no good words for you right now. You have prevented Will and Tessa from being together, but I still can't hate you since you are such a gentleman and will always treat Tessa right and the way that she deserves. I hate you for that, but I also love you. Please die from opium now. Thank you.

As for the main plot, there is definitely no shortage of action. A spy lurks under the roof of the institute once again, automatons result in tragic moments, and one of Henry's inventions finally work. Thank goodness. And at the perfect time as well. I honestly think this is my favorite scene in the entire book. This small moment of glory is short-lived, but it was deserved by such a sensitive yet vital character who does not see enough action.

Readers will not be disappointed by this book. Even though you may think you've seen all that Cassandra Clare can deliver in Shadowhunter world, but you are ever so wrong.


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