Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

TITLE:  Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices #1)
AUTHOR:  Clare, Cassandra
GENRE: Fiction/Supernatural
MY RATING:  4.5/5
DATE FINISHED:  6/23/2011

I am finally starting Clockwork Angel!  I've had it since my birthday in December, and I've been prolonging the inevitable.  But it is most definitely time that I pick this book up!

I finally finished this book, and it was awesome!  Writing prequels is usually such a risk for an author, but Cassandra Clare doctored this one perfectly.  I believe it actually came out right after City of Glass, and most people read it before they read City of Fallen Angels.  I think if I had read then in that order, I probably would have gotten more of the references from the final book.  While I was reading this one, I kept thinking "I know this name.  Why is it important?"

But, overall, the book was fantastic!  I cannot wait for the next book in the Infernal Devices series.  I hope Cassandra Clare releases another book soon because I just can't get enough!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

Mortal Instruments Casting Information!

Because I am about half-way through with Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (I'm making it last as long as I can!!!), I figured I would dig in on the casting/rumored casting of the upcoming Mortal Instruments film (based on City of Bones).  There are some very interesting choices so far, and I'm trying to remain as unbiased as possible.  But I know that it's a heated topic among many.

I am absolutely thrilled that Lily Collins has been officially cast, and chosen to play Clary!  She's perfectly petite, and I feel like she has the prettiest eyes.  Not to mention, she looks fantastic as a red head.  I think she'll do a wonderful job.  Her work in The Blind Side was great.  I kind of love that, other than that, she hasn't really been on the big screen a lot.  All of the Mortal Instruments fans seem thrilled with this casting choice, and I cannot blame them!

A huge topic of discussion over the last few week has been the casting of Jamie Campbell Bower as the infamous Jace Wayland!  I have been reading up on the casting and apparently Cassandra Clare cried during his audition with Lily Collins.  Everyone may have pictured Jace a little differently in their own mind (I know there were a lot of Alex Pettyfer fans out there!).  But I'm going to trust Ms. Clare's decision.  Jamie is an experienced actor and I'm sure he will be fabulous!

This next one is actually a rumored casting, so it's not official.  But personally, I think it's a perfect choice.  There have been rumors flying around that Carter Jenkins may be considered for the role of Simon.  I don't know about everyone else out there, but I think he would be awesome!  Carter was recently in the film, Valentine's Day, and I feel like he has the perfect sweetness for this role.

Obviously, none of these roles are/were up for us to decide, so I'm putting full faith into the casting directors of Mortal Instruments.  I'm sure it will ending up being awesome!  And, so far, I feel the casting is spot on.

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright and David Leslie Johnson

TITLE:  Red Riding Hood
AUTHOR:  Blakley-Cartwright, Sarah/Johnson, David Leslie
GENRE: Fiction/Supernatural
MY RATING:  2.5/5
DATE FINISHED:  6/14/2011

This book was very fun to read, and obviously a very quick read.  It was absolutely an interesting take on the original story of Little Red Riding Hood.  I wouldn't say it was my favorite book in the world, but it was nice to read.

Definitely a book that's meant to stay in the teen romance section.  But if that's all you're looking for it was amazing!  I must say that the twist in the end definitely got me.  I've read several others in the genre and really enjoyed them, but this just wasn't my type of story.  But I love the cover.

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The Love Goddess' Cooking School by Melissa Senate

TITLE:  The Love Goddess' Cooking School

AUTHOR:  Senate, Melissa

GENRE: Fiction

MY RATING:  5/5

DATE FINISHED: 6/13/2011

Therefore, this book has been recommended to me (by the same dear friend that recommended Water for Elephants).  I have always trusted her judgment when it comes to choosing fantastic reads, and she said once I start this one, I will be done in 2 days!  So here I go again!

...Only one day!  It's been so long since it's taken me only one day to finish a book.  And what a fantastic book it is.  I am officially addicted to Melissa Senate.  I love her story of The Love Goddess' Cooking School, and I love her way of storytelling!  Everything about this book was filled with magic, romance, and food.  It was so amazing that I had to have pasta last night after reading.  I was craving it so much from reading about it.

I would recommend this book to anyone.  And yet again, I commend my most dear friend for her reading choices!

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Eon by Alison Goodman

TITLE:  Eon

AUTHOR:  Goodman, Alison

GENRE: Fiction/Fantasy

MY RATING:  4.5/5

DATE FINISHED: 6/12/2011

This book was so much fun!  I can't believe that it took me almost 2 weeks to finish.  It took a big day of doing nothing to get through it (I've just been so busy lately!).  But what a phenomenal story!

The only criticism I had, was that - for someone who reads a lot of books - the plot line was slightly predictable.  I figured out the ending right in the middle of the book.  But just watching the plot unfold was absolutely beautiful.

The story, setting, and characters were interesting and great to read about.  It's nice to read a story about a heroine with attitude!  This is definitely a very Mulan-esque story.  I loved it!

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