Clockwork Princess: An Epic Finale to a Masterful Series

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Review Excerpt for full review visit Examiner.com

In what is probably one of the most highly anticipated books of the year in the Young Adult genre, Cassandra Clare finally brought her spin-off series The Infernal Devices (TID) to a close. Clockwork Princess is an ending so wholly satisfying that I couldn't find one loose end that needed tying. But let's start where we should, at the beginning.

Years ago, when I began reading The Mortal Instruments (TMI), I never expected that I would still be reading a series that I considered mediocre at best. Not to mention a completely new story, spun off from the Shadownhunter/Downworlder mythos and based on the ancestors of the original heroes. As I've previously written, in the years since I read my first TMI book, I have fallen in love with the characters and the world and consider myself a true fan of Ms. Clare's work. Despite that, I picked up the first book in TID out of pure curiosity not loyalty to the author. As a fan of period books, I was curious to see how Cassandra Clare would tell a story in Victorian times.  I have long found her writing to be extremely mature and an author who doesn't cater her writing to her readers but tells the story she intended to tell without sacrificing her voice. She doesn't dumb-it down because her audience is predominantly teenagers, she writes an elegantly crafted story and is an author who expects and (I imagine) hopes, that her readers will pick up on all the nuances she intricately weaves into the characters and their long story arcs.

Most Anticipated 2013 Young Adult Lit. Sequels

If you are like most Young Adult literature readers then you are most likely always in the middle of one or two amazing series. Series are so intertwined with this genre of books that in many cases it's a bigger surprise to pick up a book without a second or third part than to find a book that is a self contained story.

Many readers enjoy that about YA lit, they like to be able to live with the characters that they love and reading a three or six part series gives them ample time to get through the story. It is much like the difference between a two hour movie and a four season tv show. The movie while excellent, cannot compete with the character development of a show that dedicates years to fleshing out their leads.

View slideshow: 2013 YA Series releases

2013 is a big year for follow ups to some of our favorite YA series.

Of Triton by Anna Banks release date May 28, 2013 

Book 2 in the Of Poseidon series

Awaken by Meg Cabot release date May 7, 2013 

Book 3 in the Abandon Series

Requiem by Lauren Oliver release date March 5, 2013 

Book 3 in the Delirium Series

Boundless by Cynthia Hand release date January 22, 2013 

Book 3 in the Unearthly Series

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi release date January 8, 2013

Book 2 in Under the Never Sky Series

Sever by Lauren DeStefano release date February 12, 2013 

Book 3 in the Chemical Garden Series

Gates of Paradise by Melissa De La Cruz release date January 15, 2013 

Book 7 in the Blue Bloods Series

Rise by Anna Carey release date April 2, 2013 

Book 3 in the Eve series

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare release date March 19, 2013 

Book 3 in the Infernal Devices Series

Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter release date February 26, 2013 

Book 3 in the Goddess Test Series

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead release date February 12, 2013 

Book 3 in the Bloodlines Series

Everbound by Brodi Ashton release date January 22, 2013 

Book 2 in the Everneath Series

This article originally published on:  Examiner.com 

Pish Posh! Who says judging a book by its cover is wrong

With more and more books published daily how does one pick the perfect book to snuggle into.  Indie publishers and the advances of e-readers have made it much easier and accessible for upcoming authors to get their work out to the always eager audiences.  In the YA genre it's a constant struggle to pick the perfect cover to entice young readers.  After all if it doesn't catch your eye will it really suck you into their world.

It's often been said one shouldn't judge a book by its cover but with so many choices on the market it is through the beautiful cover images that the reader gets their first glimpse into the rich world on the pages of the book.

 

Continue reading on Examiner.com Pish Posh! Who says judging a book by its cover is wrong - Miami young adult books | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/young-adult-books-in-miami/pish-posh-who-says-judging-a-book-by-its-cover-is-wrong#ixzz1QmlIxATh

Dying of Antici...Pation Monday's

Despite the fact that I have about a billion books on my shelf and Nook that I have yet to read and about eight that I am currently in the middle of, there are always a ton that I can't wait for.  I count down the days, pre-order them wait impatiently for them and then let them sit on my shelf or on my Nook while I finish the books that I am currently reading.  Its a problem people.  I have too much on my plate and not enough time to dedicate to my first and real love Reading.

But, despite that I wanted to start a regular feature where I let you all in on the reads that I am dying for. (extra points if you caught the Rocky reference in the title)

 I was not all about this series when I first picked it up.  The first half of the first book gave me the heeby-jeebies and then by the last chapter I coudln't put it down.  By the time I was done with the third book I wanted to cry that the series was over.  Then she announced a prequel and then a fourth book.  It was like dear sweet Cassie had heard my prayers.

 The second book in the prequel to the Mortal Instruments.  I am saving Book One until Book Two comes out, do not ask for my insane logic but basically I don't want to wait months to figure out the resolution to the cliffhanger ending.

 I couldn't be sadder that this series is coming to a close.  Much like the Vampire Academy series it is one that I feel has truly grown with the characters.  I understand that Young Adult fiction is not for everyone but I love some bubble gum amidst my Classic Lit. and there is nothing better than fairy flavored bubble gum.

 I'm reading part two now.  So good.  So good.  I love how suspensefully dark this series is and can't wait for the third.

 Medusa's daughter, yes, please.

Regency romance and intrigue all wrapped up (pun intended) in what looks to be a tight little teen lit package.  I think this is going to be a sweet little and quick read for me.