City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

          *Possible Spoilers!*



City of Heavenly Fire
by Cassandra Clare
Read: January 20-22, 2015
Published: May 27, 2014
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Series: The Mortal Instruments

Darkness has descended on the Shadowhunter world. Chaos and destruction overwhelm the Nephilim as Clary, Jace, Simon, and their friends band together to fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary’s own brother. Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell. Nothing in this world can defeat Sebastian—but if they journey to the realm of demons, they just might have a chance…

Lives will be lost, love sacrificed, and the whole world will change. Who will survive the explosive sixth and final installment of the Mortal Instruments series?  (Amazon.com)

________________________________________________________________________

Why did you read this book?

I read this book because I would not be happy with myself until I finally read the book. I have a very hard time leaving a series unfinished, which I almost did with this series. You see, I loved the first three in the series. City of Glass ended beautifully and I would have been happy if that had been the end of it. But then, Clare announced that the trilogy would become a series! I was ecstatic that I could read more about the Shadowhunter world and Clary and Jace. I was ecstatic...until I read the fourth book (City of something or the other). I did not like it and I was sorry I ever wished for more. I told myself I would not read another one of the Mortal Instrument books. But, of course, I couldn't just leave it unfinished. I had to know if Clary and Jace ever ended up together or if they just weren't meant to be. I had to know what happened to Sebastian. I had to know if Clare ever had it in her to kill off a main character and leave them dead. And so I read it, all 725 pages of it. 725 pages.

What didn't you like about this book?
There were four major things I did not like about this book. Only four, but these four took up the majority of the 725 pages I spent the last three days reading. Well, make that five. Five things. First, it was made clear on several occasions that Sebastian was Jonathan Morgenstern and Jonathan Morgenstern was Sebastian. Yes, I believe the reader understood in the fourth book that this was the case. We do not still need to be reminded in the final book. Second, the point of few. I don't mind it switching between Jace, Clary, Isabelle, Alec, and Simon (which, at five different points of view, is too many for most readers). However, this book took the POV switching to a whole to level. Not only did we get chapters on the original five, but we also had them from Luke, Jocelyn, Jia Penhallow, Magnus, Maia, Raphael, and Emma. (I'm sure there was another one somewhere, but you get the idea). I'll be honest, I skipped most of the stuff on Jia Penhallow and Emma. Which brings me to my next point. The addition of Emma, Julian, Mark, Helen, Ty, Tavvy, and Dru were unnecessary. Their story is another book on it's own. I don't feel like they belonged in this book, especially not to be given as much page space as they did. There were too many characters to keep track of. Fourth, there were too many relationships to keep track of as well. Every character in this book had a significant other that was in danger that they needed to save that they couldn't lose or their happiness would be forever ruined in a pit of despair. It got a bit exhausting. Especially when the only relationship I really cared about was Clary and Jace. And lastly, (!!SPOILER!!), none of the main characters died. Sure, several of them came so 'close' to death, but it was obvious that none of them were going to die. Everyone got to be with their significant other and live happily ever after. To be honest, at the end of 6 books, I think one of them should have died. I was incapable of feeling...feelings really, for these characters because there was no real danger to begin with.

What did you like about this book?
Now don't be discouraged by my long paragraph of dislike. There were several things did I like about this book. For one, I like the world that Clare has created with the Shadowhunters and Werewolves and Warlocks (and Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!) It is a world that I could get lost in. I also enjoyed having one book in the series that didn't mess with Clary and Jace's relationship. Sure, they were 'in danger' for most of the book, but they were secure in the knowledge of their love for each other, which is a breath of fresh air from the turmoil of the previous five books. I liked the idea of this book, the basic plot of it, or rather, the plot that followed the main five characters. The travel between dimensions was very interesting. I wish I could have meant more time in that plot, rather than that of Emma and the Blackthorn kids. (!!ANOTHER SPOILER!!) I think, one of my favorite parts, was Sebastian's redemption as Jonathan Morgenstern. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely hated him and I'm glad he died. But I loved that the heavenly fire took the evil out of him and he was able to see clearly what he did and that he was sorry. And I'm happy that Clare killed him. I half expected him to live so that him, Clary, Jocelyn, and Luke could form one big, happy family. But she didn't, and I applaud her for that.

Three Unexpected Things: The Bone Crown, Shakespeare, parallel universe

Would you recommend this book to a friend?
Only if they have read the series and are debating whether or not to finish it. This book is worth finishing. It may not wholly negate the damage of the fourth book, but it did a pretty good job. However, if said friend has only read the first three, I might recommend stopping there. It really depends on how much you care about what happens next. Or if you'd rather pretend that the last three books didn't happen, that would be perfectly fine as well.

Bottom Line:
I did, despite my complaints, enjoy this book. I will probably read it again in the future, but I don't think I will be adding it to my personal collection. I'd like to save room on my shelf for other books that I absolutely know I will read over and over again. However, I will check this out from the library again.


"Heroes aren't always the ones who win...they're the ones who lose, sometimes. But they keep fighting, they keep coming back. They don't give up. That's what makes them heroes." -City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

The Boy and I

          Hello everybody. This semester I am taking a creative writing class and the first half is on poetry. I know, I know, I used to write poetry all the time. But that was back when I was a gloomy 'oh poor me' kid. I liked to write sad poems about how my life sucked. (Which is a lie. My life has actually been incredibly blessed.) Anyway, I'm sort of panicking about trying to write poetry, even though that's all I used to really write. Well, I wrote one and I don't think it's half bad. (Still, not that great. But not that bad either.)

The Boy and I
By: Me

A day ago
Or maybe more
I knew a boy.
We laughed at him
and we teased him.
He was not smart
and he was not kind.
But then,
neither was I.

A day ago
Or maybe more
I thought of the boy
Our cruel words
and our malicious grins.
He must have been lonely
and he must have been lost.
But then,
so was I.


       So that is the poem I wrote. Like I said, not that good, but not that bad. Maybe I'll improve. Regardless, I will continue to share with you the things I write for this class. (Unless it's absolutely dreadful, in which case, I won't.)

"Well, sometimes home is a person." -A Million Suns by Beth Revis

A Video for You!

          My last post was in part about Taylor Swift. Or rather, more my realization that I like her. And just the other day, I found this video and it just happens to be perfect. I hope you enjoy it!

"Stay gold, Ponyboy, stay gold." -The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Confessions

          Hey there everyone! I'm sorry it's been awhile (a week?), but I just haven't really had any inspiration to write. However, last night as I was trying to fall asleep, I made the decision to tell you all something. I have two confessions that I need to make. Both are things that I have tried very hard to repress. I've tried not thinking about it and I've tried to turn my thoughts towards other things. And it is tough for me to admit this, but I can't live with this secret anymore. I will no longer be ashamed! Although, I'm not quite sure how to even go about telling all of you. I suppose the best way would be to just do, right? Alright. Well, here goes...
          I secretly like Taylor Swift and think man buns are attractive. There! I said it! It's out in the world now and there's no going back. Shall I expand these thoughts? Yes. Yes I shall.

          We'll start with Taylor Swift. I went through a phase when I loved her (I own two of her albums: Fearless and Speak Now). Then I didn't like her. At all. I hated that she sang pop music, but was nominated for country awards. I hated that all her songs were about love interests. I hated when she 'officially left the country scene', because, honestly, she was only really there for her first album, maybe even her second one. But from then on, she was pop. Not country. To me, she was a traitor. Then, I slowly was exposed to how awkward and weird she was. And I saw her 'Shake it Off' video and I can't help but like the song. She started to seem like a person, rather than a 'celebrity pop star'. Then I started listening to her music again and I remembered that I actually liked it once upon a time. Needless to say, I am a (does T Swift have a pet name for her fans?) fan of Taylor Swift once again.

         Man buns. I love them. I've always kind of had a thing for men with flowing locks (thanks a lot, J.R.R. Tolkien) and the man bun just looks really good on some people. My favorite man buns are those of Orlando Bloom (he was just made for long hair and he's gorgeous), Chris Hemsworth, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Jared Leto. I didn't even know who Jared Leto was until I saw his man bun on Pinterest. And I don't know if Johnny Depp has a man bun or not, but he could definitely pull it off. (I just looked it up and I did find a picture of him with a man bun. I don't know if it's current, but it looked darn good!) However, as oddly appealing as this hair style is, it doesn't work for everyone. Would you like a list of people that (in my opinion) just don't pull it off? Of course you would! Shia LeBeouf, Colin Farrell, Leonardo DiCaprio (sorry Leo, I love you, but I just don't love your bun), and Harry Styles (I apologize to the Directioners out there who would sell their soul to touch his hair, but I think he should cut it. Or at least grow some facial hair if he's going to keep the hair long).

          Okay. Well, I'm glad I got that out there! In other news, I have no other news. Honestly, I have nothing for you. I would take recommendations for a book to read, because I would love to write another book review, but I'm a bit at loss for what to read. I definitely want to read something new. For once in my life, I'm slightly sick of re-reading my books. I was actually asked to read a coworker's book today, but I can't put a review up because it isn't published yet. He's going for it though! It sounds like he's actually really close to getting it published, which will be very exciting for him. Well, and me...I'll get to read it before it's published! And I'll be on a first name basis with an author. Sounds pretty cool to me.

          So. List of things for you to do:
                 1. Recommend a book for me in the comment section
                 2. Look up pictures of Jared Leto's hair (it's gorgeous and I am jealous)
                 3. Rock out to Shake it Off
                 4. Talk to someone you haven't talked to in awhile; call them! (It's a New Year's                                    Resolution thing)

*Update* Taylor Swift fans are called 'Swifties'.


"Confession is not betrayal. What you say or do doesn't matter; only feelings matter. If they could make me stop loving you-that would be the real betrayal." -1984 by George Orwell 
                 

It's the Last Day of 2014!

          I don't really have anything terribly exciting to write about, so I'm going to do the cliche thing and write about the past year with the help of a few journal prompts.

What were the three best things that happened last year?

          This is weird to think about because this year I have been both a high school senior and a college freshman. I have been two different people. The person I was in high school would never have applied for the Ireland trip. I mean, she could barely handle going to a community college, much less another country. Regardless I will look at this as the me I am now, considering it's the most accurate at the moment. So first, getting accepted for the Ireland trip, of course. That's easily the biggest thing on my list. Second would have to be going to college. When I first started, I was terrified. I can't even begin to describe to you the overwhelming social anxiety and insecurity I felt. But now, I am much better off for it. I have definitely grown as a person. Lastly, getting the fourth gold cup at St. Cecilia's Music Festival. I had been working towards it for twelve years, and I finally got it. Twelve years! That was one of the best moments of my life. 

         Now, it was very difficult to pick only three, so I picked some honorable mentions. I was accepted to WMU's music school. Even though I didn't end up going there, it was a huge accomplishment. I graduated from high school, which I wasn't terribly excited for (I'm not a fan of change), but it was a lot of fun. At my last piano recital, I got to play two movements of a Beethoven piece and a concerto with my piano teacher. It was easily the best recital I've ever had. It was kind of my shining moment as a musician (I am usually not the one in the spotlight). I had a solo in my last high school play, which I'd never had anything close to before. I got a real job and met some amazing coworkers! I think my favorite part of this past year is that, even though it had many lasts and it was very bittersweet, it also had so many firsts that I never expected to have. All in all, I'd say it was a pretty good year.

What were the three worst things that happened last year?

          Not really something I'd like to think about, but of course, it has to be done. The worst thing I can think of so far is my panic attacks. I've had them before, but they've gotten increasingly worse and more frequent as the year went on. Another bad thing would be the parting of ways. You know, after high school, you just sort of lose touch with one another. In a way, I'm happy it happened. But it's also rather sad to think about, as if the last four years of trying to make relationships didn't matter in the end. The last worst thing I can think of was Valentine's weekend last year. It wasn't so much that I didn't have a guy, it's just that I was completely alone when I thought that, for once, I would have at least some friends to be with that day. Needless to say, I was so distraught that I ran five miles on a treadmill whilst staring at a clock. (I run best when I'm upset). I've mostly gotten over that day, and the good and bad effects it had on me. The two people that I thought would be there for me that day are easily two of my closest friends now, so there are no hard feelings there. However, it's the amplified insecurity and loneliness and hurt that I experienced that day that I still struggle with. 

What did you learn about yourself in 2014?

          As previously stated, I am a different person now than I was at the beginning of the year. Regardless, I'm still me, even if I am a different version of me. I learned that it's okay to fail sometimes. I learned that I actually am pretty smart. I learned that, while it's okay to spend time in the world of books, you shouldn't take up residence there. You need to interact with real people too. I learned that, although I feel like an inherently selfish person, I actually do think about others more than I think I do. I learned that it's okay to be sad. I learned that I don't have to feel guilty for talking to people's boyfriends. It's okay to be friends with them too. I learned, with the help of some good friends, that I'm actually kind of an okay person. I learned that some people actually want to know me, for who I am, and not who I think they would rather know. (Did that even make sense?) But, one of the biggest things I learned, and am still learning, is that "I'm bad, and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me."

Where do you see yourself one year from now?

          I'm pretty sure I will be a different person, again, in a year. I'm going to go through some big changes before this year is over. I'm going to be in IRELAND! for three weeks, which will be a life changing experience for me. I'm also going to be moving out next fall and living in a dorm, which probably should have been something I experienced this year, but oh well. Or I could be the exact same person. Who knows? I suppose I'll let you know next year. 

         I hope you're all safe tonight, and have a happy 2015!

"Your past is always your past. Even if you forget it, it remembers you." -What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

It's a News Kind of Day

          Well, I'm back! And boy, do I have a lot to tell you! It's been a very busy few weeks (when was the last time I posted?) I have some good news and a bit of slightly bad news. I'll start with the bad and work up to the really good.
          Slightly bad: I almost lost my forever alone status. I came very, very close to going on a date (a first!). At first, I was really excited and happy and downright giddy about it. But then reality slapped me pretty hard and I realized that I didn't actually have the feelings for the person, but rather the idea of having a person to be with. I was terribly stressed and anxious about all of it, because I didn't know how to tell him that. However, him being the great guy that he is, saw that it wasn't what either of us needed and ended it all for me. So that's the bad news. See, it's only slightly bad. And it's only bad because it forced me to look at myself and figure our what I want and need. (But isn't that good news? Yes and no. I'll tell you why not when I finish that writing challenge. Which I feel like I can do now. Well, no...not right now, not today. But in the near future.)

          Good news part one: I was just in Punta Cana for six days. I didn't bring my phone on the trip and there was no WiFi (Well, you could buy some for $60 a day. No, thank you!). So I had six days of freedom from the outside world and let me tell you, it was great. Just me, the beach, and a book (and my family). It was a very cleansing week for me, considering how rough the few weeks before had been. (You know, with the whole slightly bad news thing, what I'll write about in my last writing challenge, and exams.) Let me tell you a bit about my trip. I discovered that I was not meant to be in a plane. Especially very early in the morning or very late at night (when it's dark out). Claustrophobia and acrophobia are a poor combination when you're above the clouds in a very crowded and cramped plane. Let's just say it was a very long 12 hour journey to get to Punta Cana. Getting there, however, was worth it. The water is so blue and the sky is so blue and the sun was so warm. I could have stayed there much longer than a week. I think I spent three days in a row just lounging on the beach, reading and napping, with occasional breaks to jump in the pool or the ocean. More often than not, I jumped in the pool because I also discovered that I'm a bit of a baby when it comes to the ocean. Or rather, I'm a spoiled Michigander that has the Great Lakes and they don't taste like salt. I could not stand the taste of the ocean. If there had been shells or less seaweed, I may have been tempted to go in it more. But as it was, the pool worked just swell for me. While I was there I had my first drink (it was alright, but I didn't like the aftertaste), took a picture with a monkey and a half naked man (not out of my own free will), and met a guy who has the unfortunate, yet uncanny, appearance of Justin Bieber (I asked...he's not Justin Bieber, but he is from Canada! There are a surprisingly large amount of Canadians in Punta Cana). I also met a woman who was British/Canadian (she moved to Canada) and she had been to Ireland several times. She told me a lot about the politics between the North and the South and about how beautiful it is there. She also told me that half of Giant's Causeway is in Scotland. Who knew? I didn't! She got to tell me all these cool things about her time in Ireland and you know what? I got to tell her that...

I'M GOING TO IRELAND!!!!

          Just look at this beautiful country! And I get to go there! Guys, I'm going to IRELAND!!!!! I can't tell you how ridiculously excited I am that I was accepted. I found out on December 6th and I've been trying to sell scarves to raise money to go and I'm working two jobs and teaching piano along with that. So I've been very busy between making scarves, piano lessons, my job, and school (however we're on break now, which is nice). I'm just so excited that I actually have the opportunity to go to the one place that I am just dying to go to. And it's for Literature! I just can't believe I'm going. I am so blessed to have this opportunity. 

          Guys. I'm going to Ireland!

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." -Oscar Wilde (In case you didn't know, Oscar Wilde is one of the authors I'll be studying in Ireland :o)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Today I ran the Turkey Trot 5k, which I didn't exactly trained for. I ran 2.5 miles on Tuesday, but that doesn't count as training. That was just a test to see if I would die trying to run this thing. Thankfully, I didn't (I actually ran about 4 minutes faster than I thought I would). Speaking of thankfulness, today I am going to compile a list of things I am thankful for, you know, because this is a holiday specifically for giving thanks (and not gluttony, as some would believe).

I am thankful for:

• My family...they really are the best. I love 'em to death and I am so thankful that I have a good relationship with all of them, parents included.
• My wonderful friends. You guys know who you are. I wouldn't be the person I am without weirdos like you to be there every step of the way. 
• My dog. She's getting up there in years and I am going to be very sad the day she passes. I've grown up with her. 
• My job. I am so thankful to have a job that I actually like to go to. I never think 'oh man, I have to go to work again. I just went yesterday!' It's actually for school that I think that. 
• My legs. Even if I don't run that often, I still actually kind of like to do it. I'm thankful that my legs are strong enough to run a 5k without training. (I must say, I'm pretty lucky)
• My fingers. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't play piano. Whenever I'm stressed, I go to the piano...when I'm sad, I play piano. If I'm really happy, I play piano. Basically, if I feel anything, I play my piano. If I could take it everywhere I went, I would.
• Being able to grow up with Harry Potter. I know it's kind of lame, but I am thankful for it. They're great books to read regardless of when you read them, but I'm thankful that I got to be a part of the Potter generation.
• The delicious strawberry salad that my grandma makes every year for Thanksgiving. Oh my word, I could eat it all day.
• The seasons. As much as I complain about Michigan winters, I'm glad we have them. Christmas wouldn't be the same without snow, just as football season wouldn't be the same without the changing leaves (not that I'm really a fan of football anyway, but I do like the wings that come with it!)
• My childhood. I had a wonderful childhood, which is more than can be said for most people. My childhood was filled with playing outside, neighborhood capture the flag (usually played with shoes rather than flags), lemonade stands, catching crayfish, and creek parties (campfire with the whole neighborhood at our creek, plenty of food to go around!)
• Where I live. My neighborhood is pretty much the ideal neighborhood. We lived in the country, but our houses weren't a mile apart and we only lived a mile from town (easy biking distance). There were plenty of kids to play with when I was younger and plenty of space to run. Our road is pretty useless unless you live on it, so there was minimal traffic. A creek ran behind all of our houses, which was also fun to play in. I just have a great neighborhood and I'm thankful for that.
• For my most faithful reader. I love you, Franco Fan. Thanks for reading. It's nice to know at least someone cares what I write. If I ever get a book published, your name is going to be the first one listed in the Author's Note at the end (and it's going to actually be your name too, not just 'Franco Fan')
• For all my other readers (if you're out there). I don't know if anyone else reads what I write. But if you do, thank you. And I hope you enjoy reading it.

I am thankful for quite a bit more, but this is all I'm going to put on my list. In other news, I am currently reading East of Eden. It's a bigger book than any of the others I've made reviews for and it's a slower read. So, I'm not really sure when you'll get your next review. I hope to finish it before December 16 though (I've got to set a deadline!) I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving. Until next time!

“The poor man shuddered, overflowed with an angelic joy; he declared in his transport that this would last through life; he said to himself that he really had not suffered enough to deserve such radiant happiness, and he thanked God, in the depths of his soul, for having permitted that he, a miserable man, should be so loved by this innocent being.” -Les Miserables by Victor Hugo