magnus bane – Zakiya N. Jamal

Book Review: The Bane Chronicles

Posted on October 14, 2015October 15, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

Fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices can get to know warlock Magnus Bane like never before in this collection of New York Times bestselling tales, in print for the first time with an exclusive new story and illustrated material.

This collection of eleven short stories illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality, flamboyant style, and sharp wit populate the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices.

Originally released one-by-one as e-only short stories by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, and Sarah Rees Brennan, this compilation presents all ten together in print for the first time and includes a never-before-seen eleventh tale, as well as new illustrated material.

I love Magnus Bane. I love his sass and that he’s so kind and genuinely loving even though he sometimes tries to pretend he’s not. Therefore when I found out there was a book centered completely around Magnus I knew I had to read it.

Although the first story about what happened in Peru was terrible and left me worried about the rest of the stories, this book was actually really good. I think starting with the Peru story was the greatest mistake made in the creating of this collection of stories because it totally set the book on the wrong foot.

I obviously love Cassandra Clare’s writing and I know I’ve liked Maureen Johnson in the past but combining three authors’ writing into one book is never easy and I was scared of the outcome. Like I said the first story didn’t make me anymore confident in it but the next story was much better and as the stories went on, each one got better and better.

Of course my favorites were the stories with Alec but I liked the others too. It totally spoiled the Infernal Devices trilogy for me but honestly that’s fine. I’m still going to read them but word to the wise if you don’t want to be spoiled definitely read those first before reading this.

The stories of Alec and Magnus were so cute though. There’s a story about Alec’s birthday and their first date and they’re both adorable. It’s interesting seeing them in the early stages of their relationship because we didn’t really get to see that in the Mortal Instruments series. Alec is such a dork but in the cutest way and it’s fun watching Magnus fall in love with Alec.

Overall, I think I could’ve gone without reading this whole book and just read the stories with Alec but I’m not mad I read the whole thing. It was definitely interesting and made me excited to read the Infernal Devices. I’m glad I didn’t actually purchase it though. I’d only reread the Alec stories and I’m sure I could find those online if I really wanted to. Still, it’s worth a read.

Borrow or Buy: Borrow!

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“Trust. It is like placing a blade in someone’s hand and setting the very point to your heart.”

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Book Review: City of Heavenly Fire

Posted on September 18, 2015September 18, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

Shadowhunters and demons square off for the final showdown in the spellbinding, seductive conclusion to the #1 “New York Times” bestselling Mortal Instruments series. 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?

If you’ve been following by blog for at least the last month then you know that I have fallen deeply in love with The Mortal Instruments series. I have now read every book in the series and have made most of the main characters either a Man Crush Monday or Woman Crush Wednesday. Needless to say I was obsessed. And, sadly, now it’s all over and I’m at a loss as to what to do with myself.

Thankfully, there’s more books to read! The Infernal Devices! The Bane Chronicles! The Dark Artifices (which hasn’t come out yet but I will get my hands on it as soon as it does or as an ARC if I can)! I can’t wait to get my hands on these.

Until then I’ll be taking a break from the Shadowhunters world to read other things to cater to those of you that don’t actually read books by Cassandra Clare (although you really, really should!). If you haven’t read the first five books in the series please stop here unless you want to get spoiled. It’s review time!

City of Heavenly Fire was everything I needed it to be and more. There were some parts I could do without and definitely some sections I skimmed but overall I absolutely loved it. The story began with Emma, a young Shadowhunter in L.A. who will be the main character in the spin off series that comes out next year. I loved Emma and her friend, Julian, and their whole story and I’m excited to get to know them better.

The focus of this novel, however, was Jace, Clary, Alec, Isabelle, Simon, and Magnus. So much happened in this book and I was enthralled by it all. By beginning the novel with new characters I was thrown off a little bit but liked how Clare didn’t just jump into the drama right away. She eased us into it, showing us just how bad things were for the Shadowhunters and what Sebastian was doing.

Sebastian is probably my favorite character to hate. He’s so diabolical but also a cunning, evil genius. He’s smart, which is what made him successful. Thankfully, Clary and Jace are smarter. I loved seeing Jace and Clary work together in this book. Of course, with every war there were many losses in the novel as well, some of which I wasn’t expecting at all, but there was also victory and romance and enough happy moments to keep me satisfied.

Clare’s ability to bounce from character to character, setting to setting, in her novels is what makes them so great. I never got bored because as soon as we spent time with one or two characters we were then moving along to the next. The third person narrative really works here and I loved reading this book. I found myself so sucked into the story there was definitely a day I almost missed my stop on the train because I was so into the story.

The ending of the book didn’t satisfy me and honestly that’s probably because of two things. One, I hadn’t wanted the series to end but also, for Clare the story’s not really done. Sure the spin off will focus on Emma but it’s still a continuation of this story and I’m sure we’ll be seeing Clary and her crew again.

Even so, I wanted something more final about the ending. I won’t spoil it but I will say I was a little disappointed with the ending for Simon. I need more closure than that but apparently there’s a bunch of short stories about him so I guess I’ll have to read those to know more. Honestly, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to read them. More Shadowhunters!

Overall, I really did love this book. I still wanted more from it although I’m not sure what exactly. I don’t think this is my favorite book in the series, I think City of Lost Souls was better, but I still really loved it.

Borrow or Buy: Buy! You need a complete set. I wish I had one.

Favorite Line:

“There are a hundred trillion cells in the human body, and every single one of the cells of my body loves you. We shed cells, and grow new ones, and my new cells love you more than the old ones, which is why I love you more every day than I did the day before. It’s science. And when I die and they burn my body and I become ashes that mix with the air, and part of the ground and the trees and the stars, everyone who breathes that air or sees the flowers that grow out of the ground or looks up at the stars will remember you and love you, because I love you that much.”

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Book Review: City of Lost Souls

Posted on September 15, 2015September 14, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

If you haven’t read City of Fallen Angels yet stop here because spoilers ahead!

My life has been officially taken over by The Mortal Instruments series and I regret nothing. I’ve been speed reading through these because I have to know what happens next. God bless those of you that read these as the books came out. I don’t know how y’all did it. I would’ve lost it having to wait to read the next books. I almost lost it having to wait to get these from the library.

But now to the review. Cassandra Clare never ceases to amaze me with her writing style, excellent plot, and character development. I’m honestly so upset the movie didn’t do well because I would’ve loved to see all these books in film form. Granted I haven’t watched the movie yet so maybe not.

The point is these books get better and better like a fine wine. Every time I think I know what’s going to happen next I don’t. This book was filled with action, drama, romance, fear, and sass. I don’t want to give too much away so I’m not going to talk about the plot too much. What I will say is Jace and Clary’s relationship is tested more than it ever was in the first three books. Clary is playing with fire by trying to get between Jace and her evil brother, Sebastian, and she’s forced to make some hard choices.

Meanwhile Alec and Magnus are having their own relationship issues, which drove me crazy because I love them together. Speaking of love, Simon and Isabelle have their own stuff to deal with as does Maia and Jordan.

As I said, lots of romance and drama but as always this book doesn’t fall short on action or bloodshed. There were excellent fight scenes and moments that made me so stressed I found myself asking why I still voluntarily read these books.

Seriously, though I can’t put these books down. If I didn’t have a job I probably would’ve finished them already but unfortunately responsibilities call.

I can’t tell you guys again to read these series because I’ve said it about a million times at this point. So in the words of Nike, “Just do it.”

Borrow or Buy: Buy! Go! Now! Buy it!

Favorite Line:

“Not enough,” [Jace] said, letting [Clary’s] hair slip through his fingers. “If I kiss you all day every day for the rest of my life, it won’t be enough.”

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Man Crush Monday: Alec Lightwood

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

Now that I’m close to the end of The Mortal Instruments series I’ve actually fallen for Alec, just when I thought I never would.

Alec is the definition of the silent, brooding type and in the beginning I found him to be annoying and somewhat irritating. But now that he’s grown on me and I couldn’t imagine the series without him. Moreover, it was his relationship with Magnus that really sealed the deal for me. Their love, as with most of the relationships in this series, is complicated.

Alec did a lot of things in their relationship that made me want to knock him upside his head but at the end of they day Alec does the things he does because he loves so fiercely. All he wants is to be with Magnus and protect Jace and Izzy and make his father proud.

Alec is very passionate in this very quiet way and when he does speak, every word he says is valuable. Alec is such a great, well developed character and I’m a huge fan.

Also, if you haven’t voted for your favorite Man Crush Monday yet make sure to do so before it’s too late. The final round has come to Jace Wayland, a good friend of Alec’s, and Maxon Schreave, from The Selection series. Click here to vote!

“I did not make a pie,” Alec repeated, gesturing expressively with one hand, “for three reasons. One, because I do not have any pie ingredients. Two, because I don’t actually know how to make a pie.”
He paused, clearly waiting.
Removing his sword and leaning it against the cave wall, Jace said warily, “And three?”
“Because I am not your bitch,” Alec said, clearly pleased with himself.” – City of Heavenly Fire

POLL: Who’s the Best Man Crush Monday? Pt. 1

Posted on September 4, 2015September 4, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

I’ve done so many Man Crush Monday’s now that I’m almost running out of guys (suggestions are welcome, please leave them in the comments). Therefore when I was going through all of them I found myself thinking but who’s the ultimate Man Crush Monday? Who’s the best of the best?

Rather than force myself to choose I figured I’d ask you. Therefore I’ve put together all of my previous Man Crush Mondays so you can decide who’s the ultimate Man Crush Monday (thus far). Because I’ve done so many (almost 20!) this will be done in parts starting with this first 10. Don’t see your fave on the list? Let me know in the comments and maybe they’ll be next.

Results of last week’s poll:

Are you a borrower or a buyer?

In a shocking twist, at least it was shocking to me, buyers won this one with 57.14%. I wish I cold buy all the books so I could have the ultimate library but unfortunately it’s out of my price range. Kudos to those of you who can though. Check back her next week to find out the results of this week’s poll.

Book Review: City of Fallen Angels

Posted on September 3, 2015August 30, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

Synopsis from Amazon:

Trust is dangerous, and to love is to destroy. Plunge into the fourth installment in the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series and “prepare to be hooked” (Entertainment Weekly)—now with a gorgeous new cover, a map, a new foreword, and exclusive bonus content! City of Fallen Angels is a Shadowhunters novel.

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She’s training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her—his mother just found out that he’s a vampire, and now he’s homeless. When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

I’m so hooked on this series. I don’t how it took me this long to start reading it but now I’m playing catch up and reading through them as fast as I can. Then I can start reading the Clockwork series and learn what the fuss is about Will Herondale.

But for now let’s talk about the City of Fallen Angels. If you haven’t read the first three books in The Mortal Instruments series be warned there will be spoilers!

As I said before, the series could’ve ended with City of Glass. It was a good ending. However, I’m so glad it didn’t because this book was crazy good.

In this novel we got some new, interesting characters, a lot more background for various characters including Magnus and Maia, and just a lot of good plot. This novel picked up a little while after the last book and of course everything seems to be fine and dandy but it’s really not.

Despite having the Mark of Cain on him, someone is looking for Simon and quite possibly trying to kill him. Clary and Jace’s new found relationship is on the rocks and as always Jace is struggling with his communication skills. Magnus and Alec are taking a well deserved vacation until unfortunately Magnus is called back for an emergency and Magnus and Alec are forced to question the reality of their relationship. Oh, and did I mention Simon’s having girl troubles? How geeky Simon went from pining away for Clary to having two girlfriends is still a mystery.

The point is this book had a lot going on but Cassandra Clare did an excellent job of keeping everything together and not making anything confusing or hard to understand. I found the story easy to follow and once again I enjoyed being able to bounce around from character to character and get a full scope of what was going on in everyone’s lives.

I’m impatiently waiting to get City of Lost Souls because this book ends with a major cliffhanger that honestly I saw coming but still. I need to know what happens next!

If you haven’t given this series a try yet, despite me giving you about a thousand reasons why you should, do yourself a favor and check it out. You won’t regret it.

Borrow or Buy: Buy! Buy the whole series. I would if I had some money.

Favorite Line:

“It means,” [Jace] said, “that love is the most powerful force in the world. That love can do anything.”

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Man Crush Monday: Magnus Bane

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

Magnus Bane, aka the High Warlock of Brooklyn, is so fine and so smooth. Shadowhunters crashing his party? Whatever. Vampires loosing their cool? Whatever. People trying to cramp his style? Lol. Nice try.

Magnus is gorgeous, and his a great combination of not giving an eff about anything but also really caring about the people that matter to him is fantastic. I’m only on book two of The Mortal Instruments and I’d have to say Magnus is probably my favorite character. I can’t wait to see more of him and his clear love interest.

Magnus, standing by the door, snapped his fingers impatiently. “Move it along, teenagers. The only person who gets to canoodle in my bedroom is my magnificent self.” – City of Bones