Caraval

Wow! I have no words for how amazing this book was. This book was torture! The good kind of torture but torture none the less. It made me feel so many things, it excited me, thrilled me, pulled me in, gave me hope, crushed it and still made me fall in love. In my eyes, a book that can make you feel such intensity is no doubt amazing. I absolutely fell in love with Julian and Scarlet. There were times I was absolutely frustrated with Tella but at the very end, I finally found myself resonating with her.
Every time you think you've got it figured out, you get the shock of your life.

It was basically a middle man between a circus and a carnival, both of which I love and the elements of magic just made it absolutely perfect! I have only been to the circus once, that I recall, and I remember enjoying every second of it and I would love to experience it again but this time I'd like some magic!

I love that the book started and ended with letters. We start this journey with Scarlet's letters to the Legend Master and we end it with letters between Tella and Legend Master.

We see Scarlet transform from this scared girl who tries to find an escape from her ruthless father to someone who can stand up to her greatest nightmare.

I think that my favorite thing about this book was the fact that it kept my heart racing with every page. Things never seemed boring. Each character, no matter how small a role they played, had so many layers to them. Julian was my absolute favorite throughout the book and every time it seemed like he was the bad guy it broke my heart. From the moment he waited for Scarlet at the gate, I knew he wasn't bad and every time he did something nice, I started rooting for him. And when he got in a scuffle to get Scarlet's earrings back, I fell in love.

My absolute favorite thing about Julian was the fact he called Scarlet Crimson. I love it when characters call each other cute names like that, especially when they are unconventional and start as a way to tease the other character! In the end, when he calls her Scarlet, my heart almost broke, well until he made his feelings clear that is. I thought that maybe he might not love her until he basically tells her that he does.

I love a good scavenger hunt and reading it brought up so many desires. I would love to experience the magic of the Caraval and even though I don't want to be in Scarlet's position and go through that kind of mental stress, I wouldn't mind a week of harmless thrill!

From the very moment Scarlet received the letters, the magic of the Caraval was evident and with each passing scene, I was sucked in further. The writing was so immaculate that I could actually imagine the situation. Stephanie Garber painted such a vivid and magical image that I didn't want the book to end. After suffering from a few days of post reading depression, I am finally capable of forming a coherent review!

The scene where Scarlet crosses the bridge to find the little boy was one of my favorites and the scenes that followed it were even better. I would really like to experience the whole thing with Iko and the carousel of roses. I keep thinking how wonderful it would be to see the carousel and to experience the magic of those roses, to see the wicked in the beauty and feel the thrill of it first hand. I absolutely loved the scene where Julian gave away a day of his life for Scarlet because to me, that was proof that he loved her, well until the end where everything went down and secrets came out.

In the next book, I would like to find out more about what happened to Scar and Tella's mother and the deal Tella made and with whom to find out so much about the Legend Master, I would love to see the Legend himself and see him redeem himself and continue down the path he began when he saved Tella and Scar. And most importantly, I'm interested in seeing Julian and Scarlet together and find out their fate beyond that moment.

All in all, it was such an amazing read and I can't wait for book two.

Wayfarer

Let's start with the fact, I took notes. There were so many things I loved about this book and it kept me on my toes every second of the journey.

Starting the new year with a perfect book. Last year, Passenger made my reading year and this was an amazing continuation. It took me a while to ride the time traveler train again but as soon as I remembered all the characters, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved how she ended the book. It literally was the best thing ever. HEA with a little bit extra! I was kind of confused when I started reading the book since it's been so long since I read Passenger. I kind of forgot who Alice was, yeah, I'm ashamed. When Nick was trying to find Etta, it kind of felt like they were going in circles. I kept screaming at one of them to stay put but the whole thing did pan out well. Since they were apart, we got to see so much more of the timeline. We got to experience so much and honestly, it made the book epic. But despite this, every time they almost run into each other and were still so far apart, it broke my heart. The earring thing was so satisfying. Even though they were so far apart, they were connected by earrings. I loved Sophia in this book. She was such a great character. You could see her strength and yet see how vulnerable she was. I love the friendship she developed with Nick. Now, getting to Henry, he was amazing. I was so happy that Etta finally had a parent who loved her. At the end of the book, we do find out Rose was only doing what she had to so, I don't blame her. But seeing Etta with Henry was satisfying. Reading about her inner dilemma regarding Henry was heartbreaking. And seeing how Henry reacted every time she pulled away from him was hurtful. I was a little hesitant about him at first though. The timing was too perfect. He showed up right when she was all alone and he was the leader of the Thornes. In addition, we didn't really read anything nice about him in the first book. But every time my mind told me to be cautious, my heart said, trust him. I loved the scene where she plays the violin again, he was such a typical proud dad that it brought tears to my eyes. I was so glad when Julian came into the picture. I wanted Nick to be absolved of all the guilt he carried. And loved the scene when Etta went all Hulk on him. He was such a prissy idiot at first. What kind of an idiot makes a person with a hurt shoulder row a boat? But he was a great companion. He had the same effect on me as Sophia. I loved his character development though. After losing his grandmother, he becomes such a great dependable guy. That's why I love this book, it manages to redeem characters, Rose, Sophia, Julian, hell even Nick after the deal he made in the last book. Now, I have to say, I'm pissed at Li Min for lying to Nick about Etta. That caused so much heartbreak on Nick's half. It pissed me off how she could do that after forming a friendship with them. She was such a great character but I was still pissed. I feel bad for Nick and Sophia. They kept getting tricked and trapped. Their adventure was amazing but they also kept getting in trouble. Li Min, the old man, and most importantly, Belladonna. Their journey was interesting and exciting but despite that, it hurt to see them go through so much. Now, Belladonna. I killed me when Nick made the deal with her 'cause I knew he'd regret it sooner or later but the way it turned out, I have to say my mind was blown. I cannot believe how amazing it was. The last battle was perfect. When we heard the myth about the original traveler, I knew she was the lost sister and I expected a showdown between her and the shadow but I never expected her to plan on doing what she did. How does the timeline go on when the travelers are not part of their original timeline? In the end, the scene with the ancient one was so intense. I nearly jumped with joy when the Grandfather died but when Rose was hurt, my heart broke for Etta and Henry. They finally had her back, finally understood her and then lost her. On top of that, Nick destroyed the Astrolabe and that pissed me off. What if something happened to Rose? I mean thank god all that happened was her losing her voice. But seeing Etta all alone was awful. It pissed me off that Nick could do that to her, I knew why he had to do it but it still hurt, And when we found out it was Belladonna's plan all along to turn Nick into the Astrolabe, I was befuddled. That left me with an important question. Is Nick immortal? What would happen when he died? Now, jumping to the future, I have to say it was a perfect scene. I loved that as she played, she caught sight of her parents, of Henry, at the edge of his seat, of Rose, proud of her. And I loved when she caught sight of Nicholas, such a perfect end. I love that she went to see her mother in the past. I think that must have paid a monumental part in keeping Rose sane throughout everything she went through even though no one believed her. I have to say, Wayfarer was a perfect book to start the new year with. Reviews for rest of the series: Passenger Wayfarer

Lady Midnight

Lady Midnight. Well after waiting for two years I finally got to experience the greatness of Cassie Clare again. Yes. I read the Shadowhunter Academy but it wasn't the same. I love TSA but this was a full-on Cassie Clare book and I was so happy to read it. It kills me that I have to wait another year for book two. This book met every one of my expectations and exceeded it by so much.
PS. Did you know, I've been calling this series The Dark Artifacts? I was actually shocked to learn it was Artifices.

I love Emma and I love Julian. They are such great individuals!

I love the way Julian is so committed to his family. I love his relationship with each and every member of his family. I love how he takes care of them and how selflessly he loves them, how he puts them first. In my mind, Emma and Julian are like parents to those children, just like in Julian's dreams.

What I don't like about him is his cruel side. The ending when he plans the whole thing and uses Anselm Nightshade as a scapegoat. I hated that actually. I like Nephilim who respect other species and using them the way Julian did is not right. I really hope he makes up for it. I mean it could start a war between shadowhunters and the vampires.

I love Emma's strength, I admire her for it. I love that she and Clary kept in touch, thus she kind of has a connection to Jace too. I mean how many people can say that they are close to their role models?

I loved all the Emma and Julian scenes and I was so happy when they got together but I knew it wouldn't last. Before this book, I always thought the anti-relationship between parabatai thing was stupid but I see the reason. I get it but there has got to be a way around it. And it can't be that bad, can it?

I kind of expected his secret painting room to be a room full of Emma's portraits. I mean for an artist, art is a window into their soul, take Clary for example. How can he not draw the person he loves the most. Also, I loved that beach scene. I love that they have this bond stronger than everything else.

Also, when Tessa said that thing about making the other person hate you being easier, she should've mentioned that it didn't work. I mean Will tried and they still got married!

I'm excited to see how the Parabatai thing turns out. Also, Mark? Really? And I really wish that never really happens.

I am curious about Mark. I hope he can stay. The Faeries' deal was not really fulfilled but I hope they let him go. I want him to be with his family. He might need time to find his place again but he is needed. Julian needs him, also, I'm scared about their relationship with what Emma's about to do.

I wonder if Helen will be in the other books and I hope the Clave sets her free.

Now Ty and Liv. I really hope he doesn't join the Scholomance. I want him to stay with his family. And I love those two. They're brave and strong shadowhunters but Ty can't go.

Now. I have a few questions about Ty's condition. Is it a real thing? Is it like what Henry and Christopher Lightwood (TSA)? I Matthew mentions having to take care of his father and Christopher needing the same and Ty kind of reminded me of them, a genius!

Speaking of the Scholomance, am a crazy for shipping Diego and Cristina. I mean he didn't betray her like she thought he did, and honestly, he isn't all that bad of a person.

Now, Kieran. I want him and Mark to make up. They're good together. I wonder if he can leave the Wild Hunt 'cause that's the only way they can be together.

Now onto important things.

I did not see that coming about Kit! I did not expect it to happen. It was like that story about Tobias Herondale went out of my mind! It's so like Tessa to go save her descendant. I love her. I Want to read more about Kit, I want to see him turn into a shadowhunter, grow into his own person. I was kind of hoping something happens between him and one of the Blackthorns. I thought it would've been Livvy but read online he's probably Ty's love interest. But wasn't Kit interested in that girl in the prologue? I'm excited to see how this plays out either way!

Now. Malcolm. I did not see that coming. I was heartbroken about it. But here's what really bothers me. Annabel is back and he's gone. Now that is cruel. I am actually hoping he didn't die. I mean Emma didn't get him in the heart so he could be fine.

I wonder if there is a way of breaking the Parabatai bond. I mean in the TV Show they mention Alec and Jace's bond becoming extremely weak almost to the point of breaking so I wonder if Cassie will introduce that in the books too. I wish they do something about it. I mean if Clary and Jace can be allowed to be shadowhunters with exceptional powers why can't these two.

Also. I loved that extra scene in the end when they are about to leave for the LA institute from Sizzy's engagement party, it says she would have to give him her answer when they returned and she dreaded it. Was she going to say no? She can't say no! Why would she dread marrying Jace? He's Jace! She loves him! What the hell! Or am I over analyzing?

Anyways, I am in love with this book and it's fantastic characters and I can not wait for book two. I would love to more of our old characters. Clary, Jace, Simon, Izzy, Magnus, Alec, Jem, Tessa, the whole lot of them. I miss Will. I wish he were still alive!

Reviews for rest of the series:
Lady Midnight
Lord of Shadows (Coming Soon)