The Course of True Love [And First Dates]: Review

Synopsis:

Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood might fall in love—but first they have a first date.

When Magnus Bane, warlock, meets Alec Lightwood, Shadowhunter, sparks fly. And what happens on their first date lights a flame...

***

This is totally one of the cutest things I've ever read. I just... I just ship them so hard! I want them be back together! Spoiler!

So this is basically about Magnus and Alec's first date. And I just laughed so hard and smiled like an idiot throughout the book. It's so uncharacteristically adorable and cute and hilarious. It's like we're rewinding back to the good times. Where everything isn't about to go the hell. You have no idea how I miss those times.

Magnus's wit is pretty awesome in this book. It's not everyday that a warlock finds himself going out on a date with a Shadowhunter that has deep blue eyes and black hair *cough *cough. And Magnus still has a tendancy to be equally sarcastic and fun at the same time (oh and make Alec blush). Jeez, this date is endless.

I really wish Cassie will write some more of their dates because I have a feeling they're just going to get more awesome.

Rating: 9/10

Cover Reveal: The Course of True Love [And First Dates] by Cassandra Clare

Finally. The cover is here. So it's official that it will be released on March 18, 2014. I'm dying to read this and they just keep pushing back the release day and I want to punch them in the face :(

Synopsis:

Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood might fall in love—but first they have a first date.

When Magnus Bane, warlock, meets Alec Lightwood, Shadowhunter, sparks fly. And what happens on their first date lights a flame...

The Last Stand of The New York Institute: Review

Synopsis:

Magnus meets Valentine in battle as the Circle attacks the Downworlders of New York City.

In the time of the Uprising, Valentine’s Circle goes after Downworlders in New York...and the Shadowhunters of the Institute must decide whether to join him, or fight with Magnus and his kind. This is the first time Magnus sees Jocelyn, Luke, and Stephen—but not the last. It is not long before Jocelyn seeks him out...

***

The Last Stand of The New York Institute holds a special place in my heart. It's the direct prequel of The Mortal Instruments, at the time right before and after the Uprising. Magnus meets Stephen Herondale, which, apparently, is nothing like Edmund (though they have similar faces, and according to Magnus' words, twice as angelic). There's not much about Stephen Herondale, though he might actually be one Herondale that I don't like. 

And the constant appearance of Tessa is very comforting. I always like Tessa, for her endless hope and faith on the mortals, which is something rare among warlocks. And she will always protect her descendants, those who are still Shadowhunters, living in Los Angeles. The second part of the story is directly about Clary. And... I know it! It involves Tessa and a certain Silent Brother. All the echos of the past are resurfacing. It's both comforting and heartbreaking at the same time.

So yeah, this might actually be one of the best shorts in the Bane Chronicles :) And of course, the one I want most will be released on January. MALEC.

Rating: 8.5/10

Cover Reveal: The Last Stand of The New York Institute by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson

We get to see Magnus' face (part of it, at least). Again! On the cover of The Last Stand of The New York Institute.

Synopsis:

Magnus meets Valentine in battle as the Circle attacks the Downworlders of New York City.

In the time of the Uprising, Valentine’s Circle goes after Downworlders in New York...and the Shadowhunters of the Institute must decide whether to join him, or fight with Magnus and his kind. This is the first time Magnus sees Jocelyn, Luke, and Stephen—but not the last. It is not long before Jocelyn seeks him out...

***

Expected Publication: December 17, 2013

Huh, a story set in the time of the Circle and the Uprising? Nice. That's like a direct prequel story of The Mortal Instruments :)

What To Buy The Shadowhunter Who Has Everything [And Who You're Not Officially Dating Anyway]: Review

Synopsis:

Magnus Bane may or may not be dating Alec Lightwood, but he definitely needs to find him the perfect birthday present.

Set in the time between City of Ashes and City of Glass, warlock Magnus Bane is determined to find the best birthday present possible for Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter he may or may not be dating. And he’s also got to deal with the demon he’s conjured up for a very irritating client . . .

***

I was smiling the whole time reading this novella. It's pretty cute and sweet and hilarious. Oh and heartbreaking. Magnus, a high warlock of Brooklyn, having no idea what to buy for a Shadowhunter that he really, really likes is cute and humorous on a whole new level. And to know that Magnus cares for Alec so deeply ONCE AGAIN is sweet. Heartbreaking? Well... a certain echo of the past is present in the book. One that you are familiar with if you read The Infernal Devices.

Now I'm getting more and more impatient about a date between a certain black-haired, blue-eyed Shadowhunter and a sexy warlock. It's gonna be interesting.

Rating: 8/10

(Sorry about the short review, but I'm pretty busy these days so forgive me for not writing more)

Cover Reveal: What to Buy The Shadowhunter Who Has Everything (And Who You're Not Officially Dating Anyway) by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Now I'm curious about this. Although I must say, I'm way more anticipated when it comes to part 10 of the story :)

This has Malec written all over it :) Oh wait that should be said when The Course of True Love is released :p

Synopsis:

Magnus Bane may or may not be dating Alec Lightwood, but he definitely needs to find him the perfect birthday present.

Set in the time between City of Ashes and City of Glass, warlock Magnus Bane is determined to find the best birthday present possible for Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter he may or may not be dating. And he’s also got to deal with the demon he’s conjured up for a very irritating client . .

Expected Publication: November 19, 2013

P.S. Irritating Client? Hmm... is he talking about Marbas? Well more Herondale feels I guess.

P.P.S. This has to be the longest title EVER.

Top Ten Tuesday #2: Top Ten Unusual Character Names We've Encountered In Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a bookish meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Today's question is my top ten unusual character names we've encountered in books. And... sorry for being late, but I'm kinda busy yesterday and don't really have time to post blogposts.

1. Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas - Seriously she has the coolest name ever.

2. Tris from Divergent by Veronica Roth - Tris. Short and fierce. I like it.

3. Four from Divergent by Veronica Roth - Four. Well, that's unusual by default.

4. Deznee from Denazen by Jus Accardo - A very unusual name because of what it means.

5. Magnus from The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices and The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare - I have to say, it sounds deep and husky and adds a dark streak in this name

6. America from The Selection by Kiera Cass - Although not my favorite female character in YA novels, I'd say she has a pretty cool name for a country who wants to leave the old US behind.

7. Day from Legend by Marie Lu - Day is just a nickname, but its meaning makes the nickname unusual

8. Elder from Across The Universe by Beth Revis - Elder is not necessarily a name. But it's totally not normal to call yourself Elder, right?

9. Karou from Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor - The name has a nice ring in it. And hey, it's unlike every name I've ever seen

10. Akiva from Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor - Same reason as 9

What are your choice of unusual names? I'm curious :)

The Fall of Hotel Dumort: Review

Synopsis:

Magnus Bane watches the once-glamorous Hotel Dumort become something else altogether in 1970s New York City.

Fifty years after the Jazz Age rise of the Hotel Dumort, immortal warlock Magnus Bane knows the Manhattan landmark is on the decline. The once-beautiful Hotel Dumort has fallen into a decayed thing, a ruin, as dead as a place can be. But the vampires don't mind...

***

It's a nice read. Although America in the seventies is not one of my favorite ages, it's a wonderful and dark age for mankind/mundanes. I'm surprised The Fall of Hotel Dumort is closely associated with drugs. Not the supernatural kind of drugs, but a surprisingly human one --- cocaine. Never in a million years will I think of a drug as mundane as cocaine will be involved in something beyond mundane's understanding. Nice surprise, indeed.

And the fact that Camille plays a part brings out my curiosity. Camille's never one of my favorite characters but she's mysterious that I would like to know who she really is. Apparently we still don't get her real inner self but it's still interesting to see her purring all over the place. The ending is a little lame though. But overall the novella is good enough. Unfortunately the next is The Last Stand of The New York Institute. Well, maybe not "unfortunate", but we have to wait until January 21, 2014 for The Course of True Love, one of my most anticipated novella since The Midnight Heir. (I mean, MALEC!!!)

Rating: 7/10

Teaser Tuesday: The Fall of Hotel Dumort by Cassandra Clare and

This weekly bookish meme is host by MizB @ Should Be Reading

To participate you:

1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3.  Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
4.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
5.  Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

This week I choose The Fall of Hotel Dumort (The Bane Chronicles Part 7) by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson

And a hundred years seemed to vanish. Magnus felt himself unable to speak for a moment. It might as well have been London again, the whole twentieth century rolled up into a ball and tossed aside.













Add The Fall of Hotel Dumort on Goodreads:

Cover Reveal: The Fall of Hotel Dumort by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson

Here you go:

Synopsis:

Magnus Bane watches the once-glamorous Hotel Dumort become something else altogether in 1970s New York City.

Fifty years after the Jazz Age rise of the Hotel Dumort, immortal warlock Magnus Bane knows the Manhattan landmark is on the decline. The once-beautiful Hotel Dumort has fallen into a decayed thing, a ruin, as dead as a place can be. But the vampires don't mind...

Expected Publication: October 15, 2013

(You know what that means... we're one step closer to my most anticipated novella, which involves Magnus, Alec and first dates, and sparks :D)

Saving Raphael Santiago: Review

Synopsis:

A Manhattan teen—Raphael Santiago—is missing, and Magnus Bane must track him down before it’s too late.

In 1950s New York City, a distraught mother hires Magnus Bane to find her missing son, Raphael. But even if he can be found, is Raphael beyond saving?

***

One of the better ones in The Bane Chronicles, and I was pretty surprised when this one is about Raphael Santiago. He's never one of my favorite characters. But he brings out my curiosity. And Saving Raphael Santiago is full of surprises. For instance, I can finally count his age (hee). I'm into counting ages though I don't exactly know why. And then he's not what I thought he was. In fact he's so different what you know about him in The Mortal Instruments in the short-after post-vampire state. I grow to like him more in this novella because he has a really smart mouth and quite realistic. And surprisingly he cares about his family (Spoiler). This guy/vampire/Downworlder/whatever he is has kinda grown on me. 

I like this book mostly, but there's a minor problem. This novella is more about Raphael than about Magnus. Not that I don't like it, but it's called The Bane Chronicles, right? Yet this one is less about Magnus. A little disappointed, but still tolerable.

Rating: 7/10

P.S. You know what the really messed-up part is? When I opened the document and saw that it's set in 1953, the first thing that came to my mind was that Will was dead. And Will doesn't even get involved in one bit of the story. 

Snippets and Cover Reveal

Well, three snippets from two different books and one cover reveal? Best day ever! Although I warn you, you might think this is the worst day ever after reading a certain snippet.

Snippet #1: Allegiant by Veronica Roth (And in Tobias/Four's point of view! Squee!)

Excuse me while I asdfghjkl.

Snippet #2: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare (FINALLY!!!)

a rune, hovering like an angel: a shape like two wings joined by a single bar

I do believe Clary has created another rune... or is it from an angel? 

Snippet #3: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Warning: This is just my opinion, but I think it's best not to jump on conclusions. Because I think there's a chance we're freaking out over nothing like before Clockwork Princess is released.

"Oh, God," Magnus said, "They're dead. They're all dead."

Well you break my heart right here then, Cassie. But wait...

This is a photo snippet originally:

You can see that the words are enlarged. Seriously enlarged.

Now I wonder. Is this a real snippet, or is Cassie just trolling on us? :p

Cover Reveal: Saving Raphael Santiago by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan (The Bane Chronicles Part 6)

It's. The. FEARLESS. RUNE!!!!!!!

Holy crap. 

City of Ashes feelings all over the place.

Synopsis:

A Manhattan teen—Raphael Santiago—is missing, and Magnus Bane must track him down before it’s too late.

In 1950s New York City, a distraught mother hires Magnus Bane to find her missing son, Raphael. But even if he can be found, is Raphael beyond saving?

Expected Publication: September 17, 2013

We're one step closer to part 8, which is about our favorite couple, Malec!!!!! 

The Rise of Hotel Dumort: Review

Synopsis:

In 1920s Manhattan, Magnus Bane hobnobs with the elite at a glamorous Jazz Age hotspot.

The immortal Magnus Bane is making the most of his time in the Roaring Twenties: He's settled into New York society and is thriving among the fashionable jazz set. And there is nowhere better to see and be seen than the glamorous Hotel Dumort, a glittering new addition to the Manhattan landscape. But a different type of glamour may be at play...

***

The Rise of Hotel Dumort is set in New York (Finally) and it's about a new landmark in the 1920s named Hotel Dumort. A landmark that fans of The Mortal Instruments are familiar with. But even the brightness of the new landmark can't prevent dark magic at play. This is one of the more interesting adventures so far in TBC. It's pretty epic with the second last part of the story. Although it's way too short because I can see that a lot more struggling can be portrayed in this story. 

This story does not involve any Shadowhunters that we are familiar with. It's a good thing though. I mean, since that Magnus is a warlock constantly associating with Shadowhunters, his stories are often intertwined with them. This time there are not much about them and none we are familiar with and we can focus more on Magnus's journey. I know a lot more about him then I did in the previous short novellas. He might be a warlock. He might have demon blood, but he is not evil.

Rating: 7/10

Cover Reveal: The Rise of Hotel Dumort by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson

Ooh, the first short story in TBC about the pre-vampire Hotel Dumort! Interesting... now here's the cover:

Synopsis:

In 1920s Manhattan, Magnus Bane hobnobs with the elite at a glamorous Jazz Age hotspot.

The immortal Magnus Bane is making the most of his time in the Roaring Twenties: He's settled into New York society and is thriving among the fashionable jazz set. And there is nowhere better to see and be seen than the glamorous Hotel Dumort, a glittering new addition to the Manhattan landscape. But a different type of glamour may be at play...

***

The Rise of Hotel Dumort will be released on August 20, 2013

You know what the messed up part is? This short story is supposed to be about Hotel Dumort and Manhattan and new life, and all I can think about is: 1920s? So Will is still alive and they're still happy together! Sorry for the outburst.

Thoughtful Thursday: The Midnight Heir

Warning: Avoid this post if you haven't read The Midnight Heir (or Clockwork Princess)!!!

Yesterday I read The Midnight Heir. And a ton of question rose up. Thus a lot of theories. It's been a while since I post theories about stuff and this time, it's more about TLH and TMH (because they are related).

First is the big bad question: How can Lucie Herondale marry Jesse Blackthorn?

Yeah apparently Jesse was already dead. So how can he marry Lucie Herondale?

But hey, there's a twist. Check out this excerpt:

"I had one child, my beautiful boy, my Jesse, but he could not be trained to be a warrior. He was always so weak, so sickly. I begged them not to put runes on him - I was certain that would kill him - but the Shadowhunters held me back and held him down as they burned the Marks into his flesh. He screamed and screamed. We all thought he would die then, but he did not. He held on for me, for his mama, but their cruelty damned him. Each year he grew sicker and weaker until it was too late. He was sixteen when they told me he could not live." --- The Midnight Heir, Location 569/760

and this:

"And the Nephilim had no power to save my son."--- The Midnight Heir, Location 590/760

Those sound like Jesse was dead for 9 years. Right? Nope. Just because the Shadowhunters told Tatiana that he could not live when Jesse was sixteen doesn't mean he was NOT living. He could still be alive, maybe very sick and weak, but he could be alive. You might ask: "Then why Tatiana want Magnus to kill 5 Shadowhunters?" For revenge is totally the answer, but that still doesn't mean Jesse was dead. Magnus only assumed that Jesse was passed away but he actually didn't know so. And from the second excerpt, just because the Nephilim had not power to save Jesse doesn't mean others had no power to do so.I think this little excerpt can prove that Jesse might not be necessarily dead:

"The only reason she could have to go to a warlock was if she wanted to use those deaths, to alchemized Shadowhunter lives into magic for a spell. It would be the darkest of dark spells, and the fact that Tatiana knew of it told Magnus this was not the first time she had turned to dark magic." --- The Midnight Heir, Location 590/760

(And I think I see Jesse in this picture drawn by Cassandra Jean based on this description:

"His eyes were a deep, still green, like a woodland pool hidden under the overhanging leaves of a tree, never exposed to sun or wind. He had dark hair falling, as fine spun and straight as silk, across his brow..." ---The Midnight Heir, Location 530/760

And check out this photo here (I can't upload it for some reason):

http://24.media.tumblr.com/23fd640e95cd727b3d0fdeaa2ed0d97d/tumblr_mme2r8hhpP1r3oy4vo1_1280.jpg

I think I saw Jesse there."

Or Jesse wasn't really Jesse. Maybe the real Jesse was secretly being other person (that can happen according to Cassie). Although I can't imagine how this was possible. I don't think this is a changeling thing, because in Clockwork Princess, the changeling Adele Starkweather was DEAD when she was applied Marks. Jesse was not dead right away then.

Or Jesse was truly dead, but Tatiana was about to, what, resurrect him by killing five Shadowhunters and use their blood or whatever life they had to resurrect him? And when he waked/was better/whatever, he would still be 16, and since Lucie might only be 1 or 2 years younger than James (According to the family tree, Lucie is 5 years younger than James, but there's no way Cordelia Carstairs will be Lucie's parabatai because Cordelia is 6 years older than Lucie.), the age difference won't be so wide. (Though I seriously don't think the age difference will stop a Herondale from loving anybody.) And the excerpt about why Tatiana might want to use Shadowhunter lives to perform dark magic might be proof to this theory.

Or Jesse stayed dead, and Lucie married some other Shadowhunter. He can be a Blackthorn, though. Hey, we don't know about the Blackthorn family tree. How can we assumed that there aren't any offspring of the Blackthorn family in 1903 other than Jesse? But if he's not a Blackthorn, than who is he? And worse yet, the Blackthorns in 2012 aren't even Blackthorns. Jeez.

This is getting so messed-up I'm already anticipating for TLH before I even read TDA. But hey, maybe something in TDA will link back to TLH. Who knows what Cassie is thinking?

Another question: Who the heck is Grace?

Grace is adopted by Tatiana. And she claimed herself as a Blackthorn. But look at the description about her appearance:

"Her hair was the color of the pearl too, palest ivory with a sheen of gold on it..." --- The Midnight Heir, Location 483/760

Can I assume that this Grace is the girl at the center in the same photo I mentioned above? If that's true, she is a Cartwright. (And don't tell me she's soothing Jesse... yeah I think the guy that the girl/Grace is holding is Jesse. Because I somehow find that really gross.) It's no surprise that she might be adopted because Shadowhunters often die young and her parents might have been dead. But how did she end up with Tatiana when there's the London Institute?

And what is she? Because there's something seriously wrong with her, like she's nothing but a shell made of ice, detached from any human feelings. She might be a Shadowhunter, but that doesn't she was accustomed to dark magic.

Uh, everything is so confusing right now. How can we wait 5+ years for TLH?

Teaser Tuesday: The Midnight Heir by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

This weekly bookish meme is host by MizB @ Should Be Reading

To participate you:

1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3.  Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
4.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
5.  Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This time I choose The Midnight Heir (The Bane Chronicles Part 4) by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Breannan

"Magnus had little time for the Shadowhunters’ overweening arrogance, and usually enjoyed seeing them taken down a peg, but even he had rarely seen a family fall so far so terribly fast. Gabriel and Gideon, Benedict’s two sons, had managed to claw their way back to respectability through good behavior and the graces of the Consul, Charlotte Branwell. Their sister, however, was another matter entirely" - Kindle, Location 424/760










Add The Midnight Heir on Goodreads:

Check out my review of The Midnight Heir here:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-midnight-heir-review.html

The Midnight Heir: Review

Synopsis:

In Edwardian London, Magnus Bane discovers old friends and new enemies—including the son of his former comrade Will Herondale. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

Magnus thought he would never return to London, but he is lured by a handsome offer from Tatiana Blackthorn, whose plans—involving her beautiful young ward—are far more sinister than Magnus even suspects. In London at the turn of the century, Magnus finds old friends, and meets a very surprising young man . . . the sixteen-year-old James Herondale.

This standalone e-only short story illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality populates the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. This story in The Bane Chronicles is written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare.

***

(Warning: Avoid reading this review if you haven't read Clockwork Princess because the whole review, I mean the whole damn thing is a huge spoiler!!!)

The Midnight Heir. You know what that means. James Herondale! Another beautiful, broken boy. Just like Will. From what Cassie said, he has his heart broken because of love and he wants to die. Well all I can say is he's truly his father's son because he's so freaking much like Will! Agony is certainly in my future, when I get my hands on TLH.  And finally, I know where Jace's eyes come from... actually quite some time back, but I know this is from The Midnight Heir. So no difference.

This boy had shining golden eyes, like a crystal glass filled brimful with crisp white wine and held up to catch the light of the sun. If his skin was luminous, his eyes were radiant. Magnus could not imagine these eyes as tender.

And my favorite warlock also shows up in this e-book. Well, my favorite other than Magnus, of course. Ragnor Fell! Our lovely green warlock. I totally Fell in love with him in What Happened In Peru. No pun intended.

Unlike the previous three adventures, this one actually has a villain in it, although I will always think of her as a foolish girl just like twenty-five years ago other than a villain. The most mysterious of all parts, because that holds a lot of information. And I'm hoping Cassie is not playing with the repeating-names thing again, because I will seriously rip the family tree into pieces if a certain someone is truly a certain someone. (Oh, you will know what I mean if you read Clockwork Princess... with a family tree along, of course).

There are also mentions of Magnus' old friends. Will, Tessa, and Jem. More heart-break. But surely it's worth it, because the love shared between them is an unbreakable thing. It will always be the three of them. Feels are guaranteed, by the way.

And then there are mentions about Shadowhunters being all arrogant to the Downworlders because of their blood. Okay, Magnus totally changes my point of view towards Shadowhunters, at least to some of them. Apparently not all of them are noble good guys trying to keep human and good Downworlders safe from demons. The arrogance is also mentioned in Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale. Hey, an open mind is good while reading a book. I can really thank Cassie and Sarah for that.

Oh there are many good humorous moments. Like this:

Then I lost him for a brief period of time, and by the time I caught up with him, he had wandered into Hyde Park, waded into the Serpentine, spread his arms wide, and was shouting, ‘Ducks, embrace me as your king!’” --- I think Will is appalled :)

And this:

 “Do stop flirting with my husband,” --- I shall not. 

And this:

I have a shocking memory for Lightwoods. --- Of course you do :)

It's safe to say that The Midnight Heir is by far the best Bane Chronicles story I've ever read.

Rating: 9/10

P. S. It's also safe to say the family tree is MASSIVELY and CATASTROPHICALLY misleading. Damn it.
P. P. S You can check my Tumblr page (on the right side of the blog) for more of my... confessions (warning: involves a lot of feels and frustration)

Cover Reveal: The Midnight Heir by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

By the Angel, the cover of the most anticipated short story in the Bane Chronicles is here! Why is it the most anticipated? Because it involves (SPOILER! DON'T READ IT IF YOU HAVEN'T READ CLOCKWORK PRINCESS) James Herondale, Will's son! (End of Spoiler)

Here's the cover:

Synopsis (WARNING: HUGE SPOILERS. AVOID IT IF YOU HAVEN'T READ CLOCKWORK PRINCESS!)

In Edwardian London, Magnus Bane discovers old friends and new enemies—including the son of his former comrade Will Herondale. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

Magnus thought he would never return to London, but he is lured by a handsome offer from Tatiana Blackthorn, whose plans—involving her beautiful young ward—are far more sinister than Magnus even suspects. In London at the turn of the century, Magnus finds old friends, and meets a very surprising young man . . . the sixteen-year-old James Herondale.

This standalone e-only short story illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality populates the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. This story in The Bane Chronicles is written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare.

The Midnight Heir will be released on July 16, 2013

Gonna Read: July 2013

Yeah! Summer is finally here! Here are the new releases that I wanna read in July. But actually, my summer reads list is far longer than that :D

1. Vortex (Insignia #2) by S.J. Kincaid

Synopsis:

The impossible was just the beginning. Now in their second year as superhuman government weapons-in-training at the Pentagonal Spire, Tom Raines and his friends are mid-level cadets in the elite combat corps known as the Intrasolar Forces. But as training intensifies and a moment arrives that could make or break his entire career, Tom’s loyalties are again put to the test.

Encouraged to betray his ideals and friendships for the sake of his country, Tom is convinced there must be another way. And the more aware he becomes of the corruption surrounding him, the more determined he becomes to fight it, even if he sabotages his own future in the process.

Drawn into a power struggle more dramatic than he has ever faced before, Tom stays a hyperintelligent step ahead of everyone, like the exceptional gamer he is—or so he believes. But when he learns that he and his friends have unwittingly made the most grievous error imaginable, Tom must find a way to outwit an enemy so nefarious that victory seems hopeless. Will his idealism and bravado cost him everything—and everyone that matters to him?

Filled with action and intelligence, camaraderie and humor, the second book in S.J. Kincaid’s futuristic World War III Insignia trilogy continues to explore fascinating and timely questions about power, politics, technology, loyalty, and friendship.


Expected Publication: July 2, 2013

***

2. The Midnight Heir (The Bane Chronicles Part 4) by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Synopsis:

In Edwardian London, Magnus Bane discovers old friends and new enemies—including the son of his former comrade Will Herondale. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

Magnus thought he would never return to London, but he is lured by a handsome offer from Tatiana Blackthorn, whose plans—involving her beautiful young ward—are far more sinister than Magnus even suspects. In London at the turn of the century, Magnus finds old friends, and meets a very surprising young man . . . the sixteen-year-old James Herondale.

This standalone e-only short story illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality populates the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. This story in The Bane Chronicles is written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare.

Expected Publication: July 16, 2013

***

3.  Unwanted by Alivia Anders

 Synopsis:

She would be his freedom.
He would be her price.

In a world overrun with people and narrowing resources, the basis of life has turned to do or die. No longer does the balance of wealth and power apply. A strict split between the rich and poor has made the lines clear- the more money you have, the more power you control.

For seventeen year old Emily Beucant, life is an equal gift and curse. Having grown up pre- Unwanted society, she can still remember the days it was okay to play with children from the other side of the concrete wall, back when her father was still alive, and back when the Unwanted program was used to Mark and hunt criminals, not sign away the lives of ungrateful children or spouses with high insurance collections over their heads.

But since her father's creation of the program, the government has taken control and made it into a lucrative monster. And as Emily is days away from her eighteenth birthday, and handsome inheritance, she will soon see just how badly it is to be Marked.

When her soulless aunt places Emily up to be Marked an Unwanted, she is forced to go on the run from all she has ever known. No where is safe for her, and no one will protect her, least they wish to have the same fate as her. It isn't until she forms a tense, explosive alliance with a former doctor, Ben, that it looks like the tables may turn in her favor. Together they race against those searching for her, desperate to find a way to free her from an early death. But is it too late?

No one is safe.
No one is free.

Expected Publication: July 30, 2013

***

4. Frigid (Frigid #1) by J. Lynn

Synopsis:

For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love.

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have.

But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

Expected Publication: July 30, 2013

***

5. Midnight Frost (Mythos Academy #5) by Jennifer Estep

Synopsis:

Here we go again …

Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead.

As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there …

Expected Publication: July 30, 2013

Check out my review of Midnight Frost here:  http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/06/midnight-frost-review.html   

Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale: Review

Synopsis:

Magnus Bane leverages his alliances with Downworlders and Shadowhunters on a venture to Victorian London. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

When immortal warlock Magnus Bane attends preliminary peace talks between the Shadowhunters and the Downworlders in Victorian London, he is charmed by two very different people: the vampire Camille Belcourt and the young Shadowhunter, Edmund Herondale. Will winning hearts mean choosing sides?

This standalone e-only short story illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality populates the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. This story in The Bane Chronicles, Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale, is written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare.

***

More Herondales! Magnus made an acquaintance with young Edmund Herondale (aka Will's father!). Why are Herondale boys so perfect and lovable? It's hard not to fall for his fair hair and light blue eyes and the healthy ego and that charming grin of his:

"He had hair the color of a coin that was pure gold, no base metal, and the lines of his face were as clean and elegant as a profile etched on one of those princely coins."

"The most remarkable thing about him were his eyes. They were laughing eyes, at once both joyous and tender: they were the radiant pale blue of a sky slipping toward evening in Heaven, when angels who had been sweet all day found themselves tempted to sin."

"'But I'm always noindentattered to be admired." said Edmund, with an engaging grin. 'And I'm always admired.'"

Aww. It's hard not to fall for one that is so carefree. And the dislike of ducks runs deeper than I thought:

"I shall never eat duck again. I cannot believe I used to like duck. The duck betrayed me."

Heart-breaking moments are obviously included. But what do you hope to accomplish with a Herondale? It's their natural charm.

Anyway a Herondale with Magnus equals a whole lot of fun! Not just their encounter but their encounter with Linette as well. (Esp. the one with Linette because that is amusing :D)

Aside from Edmund, we also have Camille which is very different from the Camille in The Mortal Instruments or even The Infernal Devices. She's lovely AND lovable. Actually I have a hard time picturing this vampire with the cunning and slightly evil vampire in TID and TMI. 

This book is fast-paced, humorous and a whole lot better than the first two. We get a glimpse of the Shadowhunter world even before TID. More heart-wrenching moments are present and believe me, it's just as bad/good as TID. This is a must-read, I have to say. Now... onto the wait for The Midnight Heir, one of the most anticipated in TBC, involving yet another Herondale *cough *cough Will's son *cough

Rating: 8.5/10

Oh did I mention the last part of the story? More TID breaking-your-heart-wide-open moments are guaranteed