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The Laughing Listener

May 2019
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Bahni Turpin, Raymond Lee, & Dominic Hoffman
Length: 8 hours & 4 minutes

Story Rating: 5 Stars
Performance Rating: 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 5 Stars (Because alas, that’s all Goodreads let’s me give)

Wow. Wow wow wow wow wow. I don’t even know where to start with this review. This novel touched my heart in a way I can’t even describe. Have you ever read a book that feels like it was written just for you? Like the author peered inside your thoughts and constructed a novel around them?? Because that’s what it was like reading Yoon’s words. I’m completely blown away. Buckle in kids, I think this is gonna be a long one. I’VE GOT SOME THINGS TO SAY.

You gonna learn today

Even though I’ve never read her other novel [b:Everything, Everything|18692431|Everything, Everything|Nicola Yoon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1450515891s/18692431.jpg|26540216] I did go and see the movie and I was… well, um… underwhelmed. I have no idea what the book is like, but the movie was sappy, predictable, and boring to be completely honest. It turned me off and I had no desire to read any of her books. Cut to me this week, needing something new and feeling like a contemporary. I had been seeing movie trailers for The Sun Is Also a Star all week and my interest was peaked enough to take a chance. So I did, completely unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster this was going to take me on.

At the heart of this story is a cute and adorable romance. Natasha is a very strong, but cynical teen who I related to almost immediately. Daniel has an artist’s soul and an amazing sense of humor. Together their romance only spans one day, which normally would make my eyes roll, but it seemed strangely believable in this book somehow. Honestly though, the romance isn’t why I love this so much. More than anything this story is about people. The people we don’t notice, the people who change our lives, the people we change without even realizing it. It’s about how we’re all connected, even in the smallest ways and it was so beautiful to read about.

And Listen. I am very white, so I won’t pretend to completely relate with Daniel and Natasha’s struggles with their immigrant heritage. The way Yoon wrote about it though, was amazing. I love love LOVE that she’s writing about this issue and making it so accessible to teens who will soon be building our future. Now more than ever we should be tearing down walls instead of building them and I think this book does an excellent job of reminding everyone of the people these issues affect. Even though we all come from different backgrounds, we can still relate the pain of another person.

I may not have an ethnic background, but similar to Natasha, I have a strenuous relationship with my father and I can’t tell you what it was like to read about that from her perspective. I’ve never been able to articulate my feelings about it well, but Yoon captures those emotions PERFECTLY. It was such a tremendous relief to see it written down on paper. To know that someone out there feels the same way and I can’t thank Yoon enough for that.

FINAL WORD

If you’re like me, you see this book is about a romance that takes place in a day and roll your eyes. But I’m telling you. I’m TELLING YOU. It’s so much more. Read it.


The Laughing Listener

Reread March 2019
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Fiona Hardingham & Steve West
Length: 15 hours & 22 minutes

Story Rating: 4 Stars
Performance Rating: 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars

Okay, I’ve already read this and written a raving review and normally I don’t write a second review when I reread stuff. But my feelings about this book have changed slightly and I wanted to write a review that reflected that. Plus, the old one was super embarrassing. It was one of my first reviews and I think I had an out-of-body experience rereading it. *Cringes*

You didn’t see anything

THE GOOD

Like I’ve praised before, the universe of this book is super cool. I absolutely LOOOOOVE the strong Roman vibes and it was great rereading this and being immersed in this world again. As awful as all the soldiers are (excluding our dear Elias of course), I really liked reading about them and the school. It’s interesting seeing how Blackcliff Academy operates and it gives the reader such an excellent villain/force to hate. Plus, I really liked watching all the friendships and close relationships the students are able to form in such a demonic hell hole. There’s also such a huge world outside of the school and it’s so obvious that Tahir thought through every detail when she was creating it.

Also, the Augurs are so cool?? They remind me so much of the Silent Brothers from the Shadowhunter Chronicles and I LOVED puzzling out all their little warnings, especially since I know what happens in book two. I caught so many little things I didn’t notice the first time!

And Elias!! I love him! I was worried rereading this book would make me hate him or see him in a different light, but it didn’t. It’s true that his “attentions” tend to wander whenever a pretty girl walks by, but I found it more funny than anything else. And the guy has been surrounded by a bunch of dudes since he was a preteen. I can’t blame his hormones for running amok. Honestly he’s kind of a f*ckboi, but a lovable one??? Like a f*ckboi with a conscience.

He’s cute

Helene was better for me this time around too because I was NOT a Helene fan at first. I always felt bad that Elias and his wandering attentions were leading her on, but she completely lost me talking about the scholars. She makes a whole speech at one point that basically says they should be treated better, but they deserve what they’ve gotten. And old me was like NOPE—anyone who’s okay suppressing and abusing an entire group of people is not okay with me. I still struggle a bit with her character for that very reason, but this second read gave me an appreciation for Helene that I didn’t have before. She’s so strong and badass and SMART, which I LOVE. I understand her personality and her history more. I know what her family is like and the struggles she’s had. If anything, I can appreciate her because Helene is definitely the most rich and complicated character in this book.

THE UGLY

One of the only things that really suffered during this reread was my opinion of Laia. I didn’t notice during my first read that she just sort of stumbles her way through surviving??? She almost dies a dozen times and somehow comes out of it without doing much of anything. And there isn’t much growth to her character over the course of the book, just at the end when she “makes her big move” (*winks at all the people who have read the book*) to save her brother. I don’t know. Laia isn’t bad, but she blends into the background and a main character shouldn’t be blending into the background.

Lastly, the awkward romance between Helene and Elias felt soooooo unnecessary. Why is that a thing??? This book would have been perfectly fine without it. There was already a love triangle between Elias, Laia, and Keenan. Why the heck do we need a second one??? It would have made me so much happier to see Helene and Elias as friends working together. Friendships in books are underrated people!!

GAH

FINAL WORD

Despite my shifting opinions, this book is still A-M-A-Z-I-N-G and I love it! It’s kinda like Roman [b:The Hunger Games|2767052|The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)|Suzanne Collins|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1447303603s/2767052.jpg|2792775]??? If you love drama and tons of action, this book is for you.

#1 ↦ An Ember in the Ashes ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#2 ↦ [b:A Torch Against the Night|25558608|A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes, #2)|Sabaa Tahir|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1463675717s/25558608.jpg|45355236] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#3 ↦ [b:A Reaper at the Gates|30809786|A Reaper at the Gates (An Ember in the Ashes, #3)|Sabaa Tahir|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1507476834s/30809786.jpg|51397188] ↦ ?????
#4 ↦ [b:Untitled|31520883|Untitled (An Ember in the Ashes, #4)|Sabaa Tahir|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|52201861] ↦ ?????


The Laughing Listener

#PotterHeadReadAlong19 Reread
Format: Audiobook & Illustrated Version
Narrator: Jim Dale
Length: 9 hours & 24 minutes

Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Okay, I still feel really stupid writing these reviews. I mean, we all know Harry Potter is the best by now. But I just GOTTA get my Hufflepuff house points for this read along, so HERE I AM.

Hufflepuff’s don’t give a shit

Unsurprisingly, I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this. It’s so fun rereading these books and noticing new things each time. Rowling is such a stickler for details it’s mind blowing. And I really loved the way she worked the plot for this one because
Ginny
is seriously the last person I would ever guess to be involved in this nonsense. I remember being super surprised the first time I read it and it still gets me even now. And Moaning Myrtle!! I somehow ALWAYS manage to forget how she died because I get so distracted with everything else, but it’s great seeing her as such a central figure in the story.

AND MY BOY DOBBY GETTING HIS SOCK TO FREEDOM!!! 😭

FINAL WORD

This book is the shiz just like all the others. The illustrated edition is everything. READ IT!!!

#1 ↦ [b:Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone|3|Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)|J.K. Rowling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474154022s/3.jpg|4640799] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#2 ↦ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#3 ↦ [b:Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban|5|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, #3)|J.K. Rowling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1499277281s/5.jpg|2402163] ↦ ?????
#4 ↦ [b:Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire|6|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)|J.K. Rowling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1361482611s/6.jpg|3046572] ↦ ?????
#5 ↦ [b:Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix|2|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter, #5)|J.K. Rowling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1546910265s/2.jpg|2809203] ↦ ?????
#6 ↦ [b:Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince|1|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6)|J.K. Rowling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1361039191s/1.jpg|41335427] ↦ ?????
#7 ↦ [b:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows|136251|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)|J.K. Rowling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474171184s/136251.jpg|2963218] ↦ ?????

(Just to be clear, I’ve read the whole series and spoiler alert—all the ratings are probably going to be five stars. EVERYONE CALM DOWN. I’m just using this read along as a way to wipe the slate clean and give my current opinion.)


The Laughing Listener

#PotterHeadReadAlong19 Reread
Format: Audiobook & Illustrated Version
Narrator: Jim Dale
Length: 8 hours & 33 minutes

Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Okay, I kind of feel really stupid reviewing this book right now. I mean, it’s HARRY POTTER. I’ve loved this series since I was a kid. It’s why I love reading so much as an adult. J.K. Rowling changed all of our lives, so what else could I possible say?? But I get points for my house if I write a review during this #PotterHeadReadAlong19 and I just GOTTA represent my fellow Hufflepuffs.

Wth is a Hufflepuff??

So I’ll make this review short and sweet because we all know the drill by now. Harry Potter is the shiz and the world building can’t be beat. The amount of thought that must have gone into this universe never ceases to amaze me. Plus, the characters guys. THE CHARACTERS. I love them all?? I have such a soft spot for Hagrid, Neville, and the Weasley twins though. They’re the best. IT’S ALL JUST THE BEST.

This time I got to dive into my illustrated edition of this book and it was SPECTACULAR. It’s such a beautiful book! I’m an art nerd, so I think it took me twice as long to read because I kept stopping to admire the pretty pictures, but it was great. And it was so interesting seeing how the artist imagined everything. Like Professor Snape. With the movie now so ingrained into my skull, I have a very specific vision of Snape in my head, but his portrait of him was completely different to anything I’d seen and I loved it!

And props to Jim Dale who narrates the audiobook. He has such a rich speaking voice and his voices for each character are hilarious and perfect. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a new way to read a classic.

FINAL WORD

This book is the best. If you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for???

#1 ↦ Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#2 ↦ [b:Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets|15881|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2)|J.K. Rowling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474169725s/15881.jpg|6231171] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#3 ↦ [b:Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban|5|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, #3)|J.K. Rowling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1499277281s/5.jpg|2402163] ↦ ?????
#4 ↦ [b:Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire|6|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)|J.K. Rowling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1361482611s/6.jpg|3046572] ↦ ?????
#5 ↦ [b:Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix|2|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter, #5)|J.K. Rowling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1546910265s/2.jpg|2809203] ↦ ?????
#6 ↦ [b:Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince|1|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6)|J.K. Rowling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1361039191s/1.jpg|41335427] ↦ ?????
#7 ↦ [b:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows|136251|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)|J.K. Rowling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474171184s/136251.jpg|2963218] ↦ ?????

(Just to be clear, I’ve read the whole series and spoiler alert—all the ratings are probably going to be five stars. EVERYONE CALM DOWN. I’m just using this read along as a way to wipe the slate clean and give my current opinion.)


The Laughing Listener

November 2018
Format: Hardback & Audiobook
Narrator: James Marsters *Standing ovation*
You seriously haven’t lived until you hear James Marsters talk like a kelpie
Length: 30 hours & 23 minutes

Story Rating: 5 Stars
Performance Rating: 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 5 Stars

THIS. BOOK. WAS. INSANITY. And I just???? Oh my god. FEELINGS.

I have these FEELINGS

And similar to my Lord of Shadows review, there is no possible way I can form complete, coherent, constructive sentences right now, so I’ll just list why this book is the shit.

- Slytherin Julian
- Kit being adorable and hilarious
- All the Herondale-ness
- Jace with a beard
- Twisty plot
- Diana taking down the patriarchy
- Mind-shattering insanity
- Blackthorn family love
- The Julian smolder
- Tessa and Jem
- Cristina being a badass
- Diana being a badass
- Emma being a badass
- Dru being a badass
- Extreme Stranger Things vibes
- Mark + Cristina + Kieran = Kierstinark
- Gwyn throwing his axe around like Thor
- Ty being a smol cinnamon bun
- Subtle-but-not-really A+ political undertones
- Mark challenging Jaime to a duel
- Malec adorableness
- Ty and Dru sibling bonding
- Lots of Faerie drama
- Alec being a major badass and all around MVP
- Zara being an idiot
- Phoukas wearing purple pants
- Drunk Magnus
- LOTS OF FEELINGS AND PANIC ATTACKS

FINAL WORD
This book was complete insanity from beginning to end and I feel like I didn’t breathe for a week. I LOVED IT.

#1 ↦ [b:Lady Midnight|25494343|Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices, #1)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1460477682s/25494343.jpg|19104294] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#2 ↦ [b:Lord of Shadows|30312891|Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices, #2)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1479513427s/30312891.jpg|19104295] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#3 ↦ [b:Queen of Air and Darkness|13541056|Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices, #3)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1510447136s/13541056.jpg|19104298] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦


The Laughing Listener

Reread November 2018
Format: Paperback & Audiobook
Narrator: Will Patton *Applauds*
Length: 11 hours & 8 minutes

New Rating: 5 Stars

Man, I must have been salty the first time I reviewed this. What the hell was wrong with me?? This book IS FREAKING AMAZINGGGGG!!! I want to go back a slap myself. I almost started editing my old review, but that feels like lying somehow. Anyway, this book is a masterpiece and it was even better the second time around!

Snap out of it gif
Me at my old self.

I absolutely love the way Maggie writes, especially in this series. It’s so atmospheric and sets a strong tone that really makes you feel the words and emotions. And reading this the second time was a completely new experience. There is SO MUCH STUFF that you don’t notice the first time. Little things that don’t seem important in the first read, but are actually vital to the series as a whole. And now that I know everything, some scenes took on a whole new meaning.
Like when Ronan drops Adam off, but then comes back to punch Adam’s dad in the face?!?! OMG I DIED.


All I can say is, don’t listen to the old me. READ. THIS. FREAKING. BOOK. RIGHT. NOW. And then read it again when you’re done with series because it only gets better.

#1 ↦ The Raven Boys ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#2 ↦ [b:The Dream Thieves|17347389|The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle, #2)|Maggie Stiefvater|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1477103777l/17347389._SY75_.jpg|21598446] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#3 ↦ [b:Blue Lily, Lily Blue|17378508|Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle, #3)|Maggie Stiefvater|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1477103826l/17378508._SY75_.jpg|24170141] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✧
#4 ↦ [b:The Raven King|17378527|The Raven King (The Raven Cycle, #4)|Maggie Stiefvater|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1477103790l/17378527._SY75_.jpg|24170172] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#4.5 ↦ [b:Opal|38464776|Opal (The Raven Cycle, #4.5)|Maggie Stiefvater|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1518414947l/38464776._SY75_.jpg|60091444] ↦ ???

._____________________________.

Rating: Solid 3.5 stars

After I finished the snooze-fest of the Twilight-wannabe Shiver, I had every intention of ignoring this book's existence. Thanks to a few different factors like boredom, it's availability at the library, and my curiosity, I begrudgingly started listening to the audio book.

THE UGLY

To be honest, I expected it to be yet another paranormal romance born from the Twilight revolution and in some ways it was. If this book had just been about Blue and Gansey, I don't think I could have stomached the whole thing. Yet another high school loner who's made to feel special by a boy while battling something paranormal-ish. I hope you can feel me rolling my eyes through the text. Plus, I hate that I already sort-of know where this story is going. After being a nerd for this long, I've learned that whenever a character knows their future in a fantasy it never comes true the way they think it will. I haven't read the rest of the series, but I can already feel the big reveal looming in the fourth book.

THE GOOD

What really sets this book a part, is the group of characters and their whole dynamic. I didn't stay for Blue, or Gansey, or their promised romance in the coming novels. No, I stayed because I really freaking love Ronan, Adam, and Noah
(RIP Noah!! I almost fell over when they revealed he had been dead the whole time. GAH!)
. I really like the quest they're on too, because it's so different. The combination gave me faint echos of The Goonies or Stand By Me that was really great to watch unfold. Part of me doesn't even want to continue on with the series because I'm worried about these Raven boys I've grown to love. I can't help myself though, I just have to know what happens with this damn King they're looking for.

Also, big shout out to Will Patton for doing such an excellent job as narrator! At first I didn't even realize who was talking and then mid-chapter I was like, "is this freaking Will Patton?!" Why yes, yes it is. He has a great speaking voice, and his slight southern accent somehow makes the story feel like it's in Virginia. Patton brings a whole new layer of depth into the story and I'm super glad I listened to the audio book instead of reading a hard copy.

FINAL WORD

It's official, I stand corrected and shall never let the boring-ness of Shiver paint my judgement again. This was a really fun listen and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a little mystery in their young-adult books.


The Laughing Listener

November 2018
Format: Paperback & Audiobook
Narrator: James Marsters *Applauds*
Guys, he’s a national treasure and we don’t deserve his magical voice.
Length: 23 hours & 30 minutes

Story Rating: 5 Stars
Performance Rating: 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 5 Stars

I have been procrastinating on this review for AGES. You can’t even imagine how impossible it was for me to even start writing this. I mean, how the hell do you review something you loved so much??? So instead of trying to form complete sentences, I’m just going to list all the reasons why you should read this masterpiece.

- Julian being the loving mother we all adore
- Emma and Mark awkwardly dating
- Emma and Mark being adorable secret friends that are in love with other people
- Daring rescue missions
- Family bonds that will make you cry
- My girl Diana being a beautiful, badass QUEEN
- Ty, Livvy, and Kit bonding by being judgy bitches together
- The Julian smolder
- Surprising, heart wrenching twists
- Watching Gwyn try to flirt
- Mark saying his faerie-isms and words like “forsooth”
- Alec Lightwood yelling at Zara and calling her a garbage fire
- Ty and Kit—aka The Sherlock & Watson Cuties™
- Faerie threesome jokes
- A Jessamine Lovelace cameo
- Seeing Julian scheme like the true Slytherin he is
- Cristina and Mark sexual tension
- Mark and Kieran sexual tension
- Kieran and Cristina sexual tension
- Dru’s adorable friendship with Jaime
- Emma being a badass sword wielding mofo
- Feeling the crippling pain of Cassie Clare ripping your heart out of your chest and wondering if you’ll ever feel love again

FINAL WORD
READ THIS BOOK. READ IT. IT WILL DESTROY YOU AND YOU’LL LOVE EVERY SECOND. BASK IN THE PAIN.

#1 ↦ [b:Lady Midnight|25494343|Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices, #1)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1460477682s/25494343.jpg|19104294] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#2 ↦ [b:Lord of Shadows|30312891|Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices, #2)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1479513427s/30312891.jpg|19104295] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#3 ↦ [b:Queen of Air and Darkness|13541056|Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices, #3)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1510447136s/13541056.jpg|19104298] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦


The Laughing Listener

September 2018
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Morena Baccarin
Length: 19 hours & 44 minutes

Story Rating: 4.5 Stars
Performance Rating: 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars

Wow, I feel like I just ran a freaking marathon. My emotions! Oh god. This book was so good, but SO MUCH HAPPENS. And guys, this review is going to be full of spoilers. I have a deep, urgent NEED to talk about this and I can’t keep my chill. SO BUCKLE IN KIDS. IT’S A LONG ONE.

Spoilers

Let’s start with my absolute FAVORITE thing about this, which were the characters. My love of all the blackthorns (and Carstairs and Rosales too) runs so deep that I’m actually a bit concerned about myself. These are fake people that don’t actually exist and I am SO FREAKING INVESTED. I love them all! Emma is such a badass, sarcastic queen. Cristina is so observant and wise and wonderful. Ty and Livvy are smart, tech savvy marshmallows. Dru is my Wednesday Adams, horror-loving bff. Mark is so serious and yet wonderfully hilarious and playful. Tavvy is my adorable little cinnamon roll. And Julian. MY WONDERFUL HERO JULIAN. Ugh. I LOVE HIM. He gave me some serious Stranger Things season two Steve vibes and I WAS LIVING FOR IT. I just really really wanted to give that guy a hug the whole book.

Steve Harrington: Mom of the year

And let’s hear it for diversity. I looooooooved all the rep in this!! So many diverse characters! I loved that Ty was never labeled with a “problem” and he just was who he was. YES! I loved my that my girl Dru had some curves. FINALLY. I loved that Mark was bi. I loved it all! This felt like such a normal family (you know, minus all the faeries and demon killing) and I want to hug Cassandra Clare for it.

As far as plot goes, so much happens in this book with high highs and low lows that gave me whiplash. Watching Julian and Emma dance around each other’s feeling—Low. Having Mark finally come home—high. Watching Mark not recognize his own family—low. Seeing Uncle Arthur go mad and watching poor Julian picking up all the slack—low. Watching the close bonds between all the siblings and seeing all the friendships—high. Kieran tattling on Mark and watching Julian and Emma get WHIPPED—FREAKING LOW. I was so close to tears! UGH. Feeling my heart melting my chest when Julian and Emma finally got together—HIGH. Getting slapped in the face by Malcolm’s betrayal—LOW.

See what I mean?? WHIPLASH. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love it though. I mean, is a book really worth reading if it’s not causing you mental distress????

The reason I ticked off a half star is because I’m salty as hell about the parabatai curse. I mean really?? A CURSE??? A curse that’s forcing one of the main protagonists to push their love interest away to protect them? A curse that’s almost EXACTLY like all the curses in the other shadowhunter books? Ugh. I’m so sick of that being the problem and I’m a little peeved because it feels like a cop out. This was such a great opportunity to get creative and come up with a new and interesting problem, but instead we just get another curse.
*Sighs* Okay, rant over.

FINAL WORD

Despite my word vomit there at the end, I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVED this book and I can’t wait to keep reading the series!! I must find out what happens to my children!

#1 ↦ [b:Lady Midnight|25494343|Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices, #1)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1460477682s/25494343.jpg|19104294] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#2 ↦ [b:Lord of Shadows|30312891|Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices, #2)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1479513427s/30312891.jpg|19104295] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#3 ↦ [b:Queen of Air and Darkness|13541056|Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices, #3)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1510447136s/13541056.jpg|19104298] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦