Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare ~FAN FAVOURITE~

So this was a risky endeavour to take on as the Mortal Instruments and it's prequel series, The Infernal Devices, are absolutely beloved by fans. Including me. However, today I promise to review from an unbiased perspective.

But, hang on a minute! Kat, where have you been? I'm glad you asked. Studying, my dears, studying. Philosophising and analysing linguistics, year 12 is taking my soul one relentless SAC at a time. But now, Kat's back in the reading game and it's time for a new review. Ah, it's good to be back.

So for those of you who have been living under a rock, let me break it down (possible pun?). The Mortal Instruments and the Infernal Devices explore the world of the Shadowhunters, half-angel half-human demon hunters who protect the mundane (human world). Through this book, Lady Midnight, we are introduced to a new series and therefore to new characters to fall in love with. 

The first book in the new Dark Artifices series, Lady Midnight, acquaints the readers with protagonist, Emma Carstairs. Whilst being extremely sassy and witty she can pack a punch too and is pretty deadly with her sword, Cortana. 

Now, being fairly experienced with Clare's past female protagonists I've gotta say that Emma stands out amongst the rest. I did like Clary (The Mortal Instruments) and Tessa (The Infernal Devices) but I found that it took them awhile to acquire the ability to stand on their own. They are portrayed as fairly independent at the start but if there's one girl who can certainly hold her own and doesn't really need anyone else, it's Emma. 

It's like Clare has taken the wit and steel of everyone's favourtie sarcastic bad boy, Jace (The Mortal Instruments) and put it into a female character which is actually quite refreshing. 

You may think that in comparison to Emma, some characters appear dull. That is a matter of opinion so I'm going to give you mine. And my opinion is...ABSOLUTELY NO WAY! All the other characters in this series are completely badass! Especially Mark... *sigh* sweet, tormented Mark who swings either way in terms of sexuality... don't worry I won't go there (even though I really want to).

If I can leave you with one final note on this novel without spoilers I will say that I was very impressed with Clare's exploration of things that weren't completely touched upon in the previous series. The deeper look into the partners-in-arms bond "parabatai" (http://shadowhunters.wikia.com/wiki/Parabatai - to shed a little light on the subject) was very refreshing but my favourite thing about this novel was the fairy side of it. For ages I have been curious about Clare's portrayal of the "Fair Folk" and in this new story we learn about the fairies, right from a character that was directly influenced by them (yes, that's Mark). It was a wonderful new experience to dive into one side of the world that had always been shrouded in mystery. This was a clever idea on the author's behalf, giving her readers the answers that they had wanted for so long. 

Okay just before I wrap it up, here's a question you might be wondering. Kat, can I begin this series if I haven't read the others? I have two answers for you.

1. No, because there are some things (and some characters) you just have to experience from the past series.

2. Yes, but only if you want to refer back to the wiki regularly.

So there you have it. Refer to the answers above for whether I recommend this novel or not. Happy reading!

Quote: "If my heart was a canvas, every square inch of it would be painted over with you."

4 out of 5 stars.

Everyone! Don't forget to give the With Wicked Words Facebook page a like and share it around! You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/withwickedwords/ 

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare ~FAN FAVOURITE~

So this was a risky endeavour to take on as the Mortal Instruments and it's prequel series, The Infernal Devices, are absolutely beloved by fans. Including me. However, today I promise to review from an unbiased perspective.

But, hang on a minute! Kat, where have you been? I'm glad you asked. Studying, my dears, studying. Philosophising and analysing linguistics, year 12 is taking my soul one relentless SAC at a time. But now, Kat's back in the reading game and it's time for a new review. Ah, it's good to be back.

So for those of you who have been living under a rock, let me break it down (possible pun?). The Mortal Instruments and the Infernal Devices explore the world of the Shadowhunters, half-angel half-human demon hunters who protect the mundane (human world). Through this book, Lady Midnight, we are introduced to a new series and therefore to new characters to fall in love with. 

The first book in the new Dark Artifices series, Lady Midnight, acquaints the readers with protagonist, Emma Carstairs. Whilst being extremely sassy and witty she can pack a punch too and is pretty deadly with her sword, Cortana. 

Now, being fairly experienced with Clare's past female protagonists I've gotta say that Emma stands out amongst the rest. I did like Clary (The Mortal Instruments) and Tessa (The Infernal Devices) but I found that it took them awhile to acquire the ability to stand on their own. They are portrayed as fairly independent at the start but if there's one girl who can certainly hold her own and doesn't really need anyone else, it's Emma. 

It's like Clare has taken the wit and steel of everyone's favourtie sarcastic bad boy, Jace (The Mortal Instruments) and put it into a female character which is actually quite refreshing. 

You may think that in comparison to Emma, some characters appear dull. That is a matter of opinion so I'm going to give you mine. And my opinion is...ABSOLUTELY NO WAY! All the other characters in this series are completely badass! Especially Mark... *sigh* sweet, tormented Mark who swings either way in terms of sexuality... don't worry I won't go there (even though I really want to).

If I can leave you with one final note on this novel without spoilers I will say that I was very impressed with Clare's exploration of things that weren't completely touched upon in the previous series. The deeper look into the partners-in-arms bond "parabatai" (http://shadowhunters.wikia.com/wiki/Parabatai - to shed a little light on the subject) was very refreshing but my favourite thing about this novel was the fairy side of it. For ages I have been curious about Clare's portrayal of the "Fair Folk" and in this new story we learn about the fairies, right from a character that was directly influenced by them (yes, that's Mark). It was a wonderful new experience to dive into one side of the world that had always been shrouded in mystery. This was a clever idea on the author's behalf, giving her readers the answers that they had wanted for so long. 

Okay just before I wrap it up, here's a question you might be wondering. Kat, can I begin this series if I haven't read the others? I have two answers for you.

1. No, because there are some things (and some characters) you just have to experience from the past series.

2. Yes, but only if you want to refer back to the wiki regularly.

So there you have it. Refer to the answers above for whether I recommend this novel or not. Happy reading!

Quote: "If my heart was a canvas, every square inch of it would be painted over with you."

4 out of 5 stars.

Everyone! Don't forget to give the With Wicked Words Facebook page a like and share it around! You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/withwickedwords/ 

My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier

"My Sister Rosa (by Justine Larbalestier) will have you on the edge of your seat from the very first page to the last." 

I'm not sure if that's completely true...BUT... boy oh boy how amazing this book was to read.

For me personally it was a change to read a horror story with a male protagonist. If you've stuck with me this far you'll know that both Birdy and Black Cairn Point in all their twisted glory were both written from a female perspective. I didn't expect myself to connect with Che as much as I did. His concerns and desires are very much expected from someone of his age. I know this because, well, I am his age.

Then there's his sister.

Without giving too much away, let me just say that Rosa is... different. And that's what makes her character and the characters she interacts with so deliciously addictive to read about. What I absolutely loved about this story was that Larbalestier doesn't make her moves too quickly. It's like watching an animal being trained. There's this constant mindset of "will they, wont they?" And you watch (or in this case read) closer and closer to see the brains of each character tick. Which brings me onto my next point.

By looking closely into each character in My Sister Rosa I've discovered that each had something twisted about them. Whether it be something major or not each character is battling with their own demons. None so much as Che but you'll have to read the novel to know further ;) Carrying on my previous point, the fact that each character exists this way makes for an extremely streamline, black and white world. A world, ladies and gents, not so different from out own. I'll leave you to consider that. You know, as you read this book of course.

Not only would I recommend My Sister Rosa but I'll also give you a full run down of a possible major plot twist if you see me in person. I'll even provide accurate facial expressions. 

Quote: "Set it on fire, watch it burn."

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Footnote!

With Wicked Words now has a Facebook page! For notifications about reviews or if you wanna make a request go and give it a like and send me a message. You can find the page at facebook.com/withwickedwords .  

My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier

"My Sister Rosa (by Justine Larbalestier) will have you on the edge of your seat from the very first page to the last." 

I'm not sure if that's completely true...BUT... boy oh boy how amazing this book was to read.

For me personally it was a change to read a horror story with a male protagonist. If you've stuck with me this far you'll know that both Birdy and Black Cairn Point in all their twisted glory were both written from a female perspective. I didn't expect myself to connect with Che as much as I did. His concerns and desires are very much expected from someone of his age. I know this because, well, I am his age.

Then there's his sister.

Without giving too much away, let me just say that Rosa is... different. And that's what makes her character and the characters she interacts with so deliciously addictive to read about. What I absolutely loved about this story was that Larbalestier doesn't make her moves too quickly. It's like watching an animal being trained. There's this constant mindset of "will they, wont they?" And you watch (or in this case read) closer and closer to see the brains of each character tick. Which brings me onto my next point.

By looking closely into each character in My Sister Rosa I've discovered that each had something twisted about them. Whether it be something major or not each character is battling with their own demons. None so much as Che but you'll have to read the novel to know further ;) Carrying on my previous point, the fact that each character exists this way makes for an extremely streamline, black and white world. A world, ladies and gents, not so different from out own. I'll leave you to consider that. You know, as you read this book of course.

Not only would I recommend My Sister Rosa but I'll also give you a full run down of a possible major plot twist if you see me in person. I'll even provide accurate facial expressions. 

Quote: "Set it on fire, watch it burn."

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Footnote!

With Wicked Words now has a Facebook page! For notifications about reviews or if you wanna make a request go and give it a like and send me a message. You can find the page at facebook.com/withwickedwords .  

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Hello and welcome to With Wicked Words, the new edition of my blog in 2016. This is so exciting and if you've stuck with me for this long and are hopefully following me on this journey through fiction then I thank you for that. Welcome back. New design, new year and, most importantly, new books!

Apologies for the large-ish gap of nonexistence in the middle there. Some tiny things got in the way. Like school for example. Yeah that might keep happening. Big year for me this year. But anyway! Let's get back to it with an oldie but goodie.

So this is my third time reading Halo and I only just realised that the author was seventeen when she released it. Exactly the same age as I am now. I've gotta up my game, good lord.

Now you would guess that reading this book three times would mean I love it and I wouldn't disagree with you. But there are a couple of things that I needed to get off my chest. A lot of which are justified now that I know that the author was so young when she wrote it. But bear with me.

Whenever anyone asks if this book is good, I say yes. However, there are a couple of things that bother me. First of all the classic Mary-Sue gig going on here. Everyone loves our main character Beth. Literally everyone. And that doesn't change. Beth is a regular Mary Poppins, perfect in every way. Except for insecurities but I think we've all got a few of those.

On the topic of love and all things mushy, enter her human beau  (yeah forgot to mention that Beth is an angel) Xavier. He's kind, handsome, charitable, perfect blah blah blah. They're both great. Together they're lovely. But their relationship is just so unhealthy! And yes I know that's what us girls delve into romance for, the dream that prince charming is waiting in a small sleepy town somewhere. But let's get real. Keeping an item of the other person's clothing and smelling it when you miss them = bordering on obsession.

I don't have an exact amount of time that the book spans across but we're talking about two teenagers giving their entire lives to each other. An actual quote from the book says that they "wouldn't go a couple of hours without speaking to each other." Surely one person's feet smells or something? Or they just run out of things to talk about?? Anything?!

But I digress, there are many lovable qualities about Halo. Adornetto's dedication to the theological details and the exactitude of everything holy and angelic was admirable and interesting to read. A romance stuffed with all things lovey and excruciatingly gooey, I would recommend it totally. If you're into that sort of thing.

Quote: "The angel came, the angel saw, the angel fell."

3.5 out of 5 stars.

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Hello and welcome to With Wicked Words, the new edition of my blog in 2016. This is so exciting and if you've stuck with me for this long and are hopefully following me on this journey through fiction then I thank you for that. Welcome back. New design, new year and, most importantly, new books!

Apologies for the large-ish gap of nonexistence in the middle there. Some tiny things got in the way. Like school for example. Yeah that might keep happening. Big year for me this year. But anyway! Let's get back to it with an oldie but goodie.

So this is my third time reading Halo and I only just realised that the author was seventeen when she released it. Exactly the same age as I am now. I've gotta up my game, good lord.

Now you would guess that reading this book three times would mean I love it and I wouldn't disagree with you. But there are a couple of things that I needed to get off my chest. A lot of which are justified now that I know that the author was so young when she wrote it. But bear with me.

Whenever anyone asks if this book is good, I say yes. However, there are a couple of things that bother me. First of all the classic Mary-Sue gig going on here. Everyone loves our main character Beth. Literally everyone. And that doesn't change. Beth is a regular Mary Poppins, perfect in every way. Except for insecurities but I think we've all got a few of those.

On the topic of love and all things mushy, enter her human beau  (yeah forgot to mention that Beth is an angel) Xavier. He's kind, handsome, charitable, perfect blah blah blah. They're both great. Together they're lovely. But their relationship is just so unhealthy! And yes I know that's what us girls delve into romance for, the dream that prince charming is waiting in a small sleepy town somewhere. But let's get real. Keeping an item of the other person's clothing and smelling it when you miss them = bordering on obsession.

I don't have an exact amount of time that the book spans across but we're talking about two teenagers giving their entire lives to each other. An actual quote from the book says that they "wouldn't go a couple of hours without speaking to each other." Surely one person's feet smells or something? Or they just run out of things to talk about?? Anything?!

But I digress, there are many lovable qualities about Halo. Adornetto's dedication to the theological details and the exactitude of everything holy and angelic was admirable and interesting to read. A romance stuffed with all things lovey and excruciatingly gooey, I would recommend it totally. If you're into that sort of thing.

Quote: "The angel came, the angel saw, the angel fell."

3.5 out of 5 stars.

These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly

Well, talk about the most satisfying of unsatisfying endings. It's just *sigh*  when you know two people are so right together and then cliffhangers and- ughhhh. I'm facing a mixture of emotions right now.

These Shallow Graves. Where to start?

I think I'll start with Eddie. EDDIE! I cannot express how much I wish a man like him truly existed. His character actually effected me in more ways than one. His strength and his rustic charm and... and I'm swooning right now. Literally.

On the topic of strong characters may I just express how much I loved our main heroine, Josephine Montfort? Jo's wit and courage in the face of all that opposes her just leaps off the pages of this novel and I even found myself in awe of everything Jo overcame. Oh boy, did I have an unhealthy attachment to these characters!

And the plot! Oh the plot! (ahem, calm down Kat) Everything moved at a pace that I loved to keep up with. Just when you think you know which way things are going to turn, BAM! Another plot twist or amazing revelation.

I should probably summarise, forgive me. Here we go.

So Jo's father dies tragically but things don't add up. Was it an accident? Suicide? Or, dare I say, murder?

With the help of the ruggedly sexy reporter Eddie, Jo finds herself on this fast-paced, action-adventure to find some answers. Along the way she picks up some bad habits, meets some courageous new friends and discovers the truth of not only her father's death but also the justice needed for those who deserved it. (Honestly that's how much I can give away at this time. I'm under great personal restraint here, you have no idea)

So yeah, incredibly strong characters and the fast-paced plot combined to create a real thriller of a story! And to be honest, I took one look at the whole "mystery-thriller" genre and groaned internally. I used to find books of this kind to be extremely dull. Well, from now on I think I might be a little more open-minded when it comes to this sort of thing. These Shallow Graves has definitely changed my opinion on YA crime/mystery and I'm thankful for it.

Interesting quote: "This is the best thing, Jo. The city stretched out before you, glittering like a sack of diamonds. Yours for the taking. A drink and a smoke and no one to please but yourself. Freedom."

4 out of 5 stars.