Review: Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Title: Return to Paradise
Author: Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Flux
Pages: 312

Separated by the car accident that left Maggie with a permanent disability and sent driver Caleb to jail for hitting her, the two teens are surprised to encounter each other in Re-START, a monthlong program where teens talk about how their lives were changed by reckless driving. Everyone wants to keep them apart, but they end up in a van with four other teens and a program counselor. Only Caleb and Maggie know that although he did the time, he didn’t commit the crime. Is a month long enough to undo the damage inflicted by the accident, their families, and each other?





Review:
LOVE! I enjoyed this book a lot.  I knew I would.  It takes place 9 months after Leaving Paradise.  Maggie has accepted her disability and is learning to be a new person who isn't afraid to try new things.  She is learning to live without Caleb.  He's gone remember? He's not written or called.  She is a bit bitter about it. I know I would be!  But then she comes face to face with him.  They have to spend a month traveling together.  This is their story coming to terms with who they are and what they want.  Parts of this story just tore me apart! I was rooting for them the whole way. I wanted Caleb to be the guy he was suppose to be instead of the ex-con. I loved every bit of this book. It flowed effortlessly. Oh to be a teen with such trivial problems... Haha! I really loved this series.  It was just what I needed this week.


Quote:
"My brain tells me it will be better to just let him go.
My heart... not so much."

Becca's 1st Review: The Modest Princess by Angie Eller

Title: The Modest Princess
Author: Angie Eller
Publisher: Tate Publishing and  Enterprises
Pages: 24


When Princess Sincerity receives an invitation from Prince Noble to a royal ball, she knows she has to find something extra special to wear. She also knows that the dress will be a reflection of who she is on the inside. Will she be able to find the perfect gown, and will Prince Noble notice Princess Sincerity and love her for who she is?







Review:
What a SWEET book! It's darling, daring and fitting for the youngest daughters and even for young women. The book reflects the value of modesty that is not seen much in the world today. What I loved about it is that it's not written in a "preachy" tone but rather a hip way that makes any girl reading it wish she were "The Modest Princess."

Quote:
"After hours dancing hand in hand,
no moment spent apart,
Sincerity knew her standards had helped
win the prince's heart.
He told her that her gown
was both respectable and glam.
Then on one knee, he asked her if
She'd like to join the fam!"

Sweet Reading!
Becca

Meet Our New Team Member!

I'd like to introduce and welcome a new reviewer and team member here at The Sweet Bookshelf! 

Welcome Becca!!

Me, Becca, Katie, Traci-we're just missing Amy

Traci, Katie, Becca, Me, Amy

 

Becca is my best friend and older sister.  She is 16 months older. We are very close and talk several times a day.  Becca has introduced me to some of my very favorite books of all time (Twilight, The Hunger Games, These is My Words, City of Bones, and The Goose Girl. Just to name a few). She has a knack for finding great books and always knows just what to recommend!


Here are some fun facts about Becca:

• She has 3 kids (one girl, two boys)
• She's got a kindle and is just as obsessed as I am!
• She is a runner
• Her favorite book is: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
• She has a Bachelor's Degree in History
• She is an amazing cook. Her secret ingredient is butter. 
• Her favorite genre is Sci-fi & fantasy, paranormal, and dystopian.  Along with the classics!
• She collects signed books.   

Meet Becca!

 Hey guys! Thanks for having me.  I'm excited to be part of The Sweet Bookshelf.  I live in Oregon with my husband of 11 yrs and my 3 adorable children.  We all love to read! My husband is always worried about my obsession with buying more kindle books. So I pretend I'm just downloading lots of samples.I'm looking forward to introducing you to some of my favorite books and some great authors!

If you have any questions or comments I can be reached at:

rebecca [at] thesweetbookshelf [dot] com

Review: Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Title: Leaving Paradise
Author: Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Flux
Pages: 312

Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled.

After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers. 

Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

Review:

I'd read Simone's Perfect Chemistry series (can't wait for Chain Reaction in 2 weeks!), and was in the mood for something of hers.  When I saw Leaving Paradise was on The Big Sale at the Kindle Store, I jumped! I knew I'd love it and I did!  She does such a good job with teenage angst and love.  She makes me want to go back to high school (and I DO NOT want to go back to high school).  I felt like I could identify with the characters, even though we have nothing in common.  I really felt like I was going through what they were.  I love Simone's style of writing in two points of view. One chapter Maggie. One chapter Caleb.  Works great!  I felt like I could really know how both of them were feeling, instead of everything being one sided.  

Great book! I read it during the baby's nap and picked up the sequel Return to Paradise during his 2nd nap! Quick, easy read.  I love both the characters and I did not see the ending coming!  I thought I might have some kind of clue, but no.  Not this. Loved the love story!

Quote:

"I wasn't going to kiss you."'
'You weren't?' I look up look up at him.
[...]
'Nope, the next time I kiss you it'll last a long, long time. And when we're done you're going to realize being turned on is not about experience."

Review: Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa

Title: Summer's Crossing (novella)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: about 50 pages or so
Format: eBook

Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.


Review:
I love these novellas!  It is a little something to tide you over until the next book comes out.  I just love them!  We get to hear Pucks POV this time.  I loved getting into that pranksters mind a bit.  I enjoyed seeing Puck and Ash's banter, playing off one another.  Showing their true friendship in-between all that vow to kill each other stuff. This makes a nice little taste for what is to come in The Iron Knight.

You are in luck because this e-book is free right now!  Grab your copy from Amazon or from Harlequin!


Quote:
"Worry not, ice-boy. I already have a plan.” I flashed him my best impish smile, rubbing my hands together. “One brilliant Goodfellow prank, coming right up.”

The Iron Knight is released on October 25, 2011! I'm reading it now, but I won't post my review until closer to the pub date. Just check out this cover though.  Be still my heart, Ash you are looking at me! Not you, ME! Ha ha! The Iron Knight is told from Prince Ash's POV! FINALLY!!

Review: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Queen
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin TEEN
Pages: 368


My name is Meghan Chase.
I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.
This time, there will be no turning back.

Review:
I've been following this series from its start and I had received an advanced copy of this book while I was pregnant. I had gotten half way through it before I delivered my new baby and stopped reading for awhile.  I grabbed it the other day and started from the beginning.  WOW, I LOVE THIS SERIES!  If you know me then you know I'm obsessed with all things faerie.  I'd say that The Iron Fey series is one of the best!!

There was plenty of action, romance, and suspense in the Iron Queen. I had no idea what would happen in the end! I was really surprised! I shouldn't have been though, just read the title...

If you haven't picked up this series you should.  I'm addicted to Prince Ash. Whenever he is around, I'm ALL good! 


Quote:
"But ... but what if I hit you?”
A snort. “You’re not going to hit me.”
“How do you know?” I bristled at his amused tone. “I could hit you. Even master swordsmen make mistakes. I could get a lucky shot, or you might not see me coming. I don’t want to hurt you.”
He favored me with another patient look. “And how much experience do you have with swords and weapons in general?”
“Um.” I glanced down at the saber in my hand. “Thirty seconds?”
He smiled, that calm, irritatingly confident smirk. “You’re not going to hit me."

Amazon Kindle

I've been thinking about getting a kindle for about two  years.  I wanted to wait until the technology had improved a bit more and there were more books available.  You know, when Amazon got the kinks out. 

My sister Becca got a kindle several months ago and won't stop raving about it.  So, I decided to download the kindle app on my iPod and try it out.  Come on now, a kindle is pricey and I wanted to know if I'd even use it.  Would I like looking at a screen instead of a page?  My kindle app was a good way for me to try before I buy. 

Wow, did I use my kindle app!  After I had read 10 books on that ity bity screen, I knew I had to have one.  I know I will still keep a few book on my iPod, for those book emergencies you know.  This was a really great way for me to make the decision.  I enjoyed the instant gratification way too much. So I bit the bullet and bought one.

Let me just say that the Kindle is THE BEST INVENTION EVER.  I can't even explain how awesome it is!!  Not only do my books come in less than 60 seconds, there are hundred's for free!  Who doesn't like free books?  I've gotten on my kindle in the middle of the night, in my bed, bought a book and started reading.  AMAZING!  I've got myself all set up where I can buy a book with ONE CLICK. That's it, I don't have to keep entering in my bank details or go find my wallet for my debit card.  It's just ONE CLICK.  I don't have a book store here in my town so the Kindle is really helping me out.  I can get a book whenever I want.  I can also loan out my books to my sisters or friends on their kindles. I am loving this! 

The argument with many is that a screen could never replace a book.  Yeah yeah, yada yada yada.  I hear you.  I love the feel of my books and its pages too, but let me tell you about this screen.  It looks just like a paperback page!  It is quite amazing actually how much it actually looks like a paper page.  There is no glare (which there was a glare on my iPod), so my eyes never hurt from reading.  I don't see the argument. 

I can hold 3,500 books on my kindle.  I could never do that in my 2 bedroom flat.  When I go on holiday I always have to save room for a stack of books, I usually read one per day.  Not anymore!  I can bring as many as I like all tucked away in my Kindle.  The battery life is amazing! I've been reading on it ALL week and it's only about a quarter through it.  I can highlight passages, bookmark pages, and I can look up any word I don't know with the click of a button in the dictionary!  I can even facebook and tweet what I'm reading and my favorite parts!

I can get newspapers, blogs, magazines, books, and more all on the Kindle.  I can get daily recommendations on books for me right on my Kindle.  I can grab a sample of a book and read a few chapters first and see if I think I'll like it first! 

My only issue is that I think eBooks should cost less than paperbacks.  They don't have to mass produce anything.  Just employ someone to put it in Kindle format.  That should cost less. I don't mean it like to take money away from author's but you can't deny that there isn't much cost outlay for it, so the consumer should benefit.  Oh and they don't have page numbers, they have a percentage of the book you've read.  I'd like real page numbers. But I don't mind.  Still shows me where I am in the book and how much I have left to read, that's all I really need. 

I'm crazy over my Kindle!!  If you love to read, I suggest you grab yourself one.  You won't regret it!  It is SO worth the money!

I also bought a red leather cover and a mini light for those late nights. LOVE THEM BOTH!!!


Do you have a Kindle?  Have you been thinking about getting one?  Or are you against the whole eBook thing?

Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Title: Graceling
Author: Kristin Cashore
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Book
Pages: 471


Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.
When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.


Review:
I didn't really know much about this book when I started reading it, only that my sister and a friend told me I needed to read it.  So, it was one of the first purchases on my new kindle! Which I love by the way.

This was a really great book!  The character's were strong and well formed.  I thought the plot was well thought out and developed.  I really felt like I was Katsa out in the wild! I really like  strong women leads and Katsa was a kick butt killing machine!! She and Po were my favorite.  I've got a soft spot for Po now.  I kind of like him.

I'm all about some romance, and this book did have a little bit of it.  I would have loved some more, but what was there was good.  One thing I didn't like was that Katsa was so against marriage.  What's the problem?!

I'm reading the prequel right now, FIRE. Loving it!

Quote:
"She shivered as he left her to go to the fire, and find water and cloths. He leaned into the light, and brightness and shadows moved across his body. He was beautiful. She admired him, and he flashed a grin at her. Almost as beautiful as you are conceited, she thought at him, and he laughed out loud."

Review: Austenland by Shannon Hale

Title: Austenland
Author: Shannon Hale
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 208
Reading Level: Adult

Summary:
Jane Hayes is a seemingly normal young New Yorker, but she has a secret. Her obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, is ruining her love life: no real man can compare. But when a wealthy relative bequeaths her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-crazed women, Jane's fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become realer than she ever could have imagined.

Decked out in empire-waist gowns, Jane struggles to master Regency etiquette and flirts with gardeners and gentlemen;or maybe even, she suspects, with the actors who are playing them. It's all a game, Jane knows. And yet the longer she stays, the more her insecurities seem to fall away, and the more she wonders: Is she about to kick the Austen obsession for good, or could all her dreams actually culminate in a Mr. Darcy of her own?


Review:
I have only just moments ago finished Austenland and I am still in its lovely bubble.  I feel euphoric actually.  Like I have taken a drug and don't ever want to stop.  Shannon Hale is a master writer. Not to mention she is hilarious. Bravo to her.  I don't know how she did it?  How did she make me feel like I was seconds from getting my first kiss.  You remember the feeling?  You're feeling lightheaded, butterflies are going rampant in your stomach, and your breath is quickening. Yet, you are holding it for fear the moment will pass without you having that special kiss you long for? I remember that feeling, and it is in full glory throughout this book.  I think I felt breathless for more than half of the book.  I think this is the feeling, the reason, we women are addicted to all things Jane Austen.  No need for smutty details in books, the light touch of his hand on the small of her back was enough to get me going!

I can not adequately express how much I enjoyed this book.  I was fully engrossed in every page, and I think I'm going to have to have me a Jane Austen movie fest with the baby today.  I'm in love with Mr. Nobely as much as I am in love with Mr.Darcy, and that is hard to do!

The dedication to the books read:  "For Colin Firth: You're a really great guy, but I'm married, so I think we should just be friends." Isn't that hilarious!! Ha! My sister Amy said her dedication would read like this: "For Colin Firth, I'm already married, but I'd give it all up for you! Call me!"

Austenland is currently being made into a movie starring Kerri Russel and JJ Fields. Produced and financed by Stephenie Meyer. LOVE! I can't wait to see it!

Quote:
"What are you doing?"
"Ya!" said Jane, whirling around, her hands held up menacingly.
It was Mr. Nobley with coat, hat, and cane, watching her with wide eyes. Jane took several quick (but oh so casual) steps away from Martin's window.
"Um, did I just say, 'Ya'?"
"You just said 'Ya,'" he confirmed. "If I am not mistaken, it was a battle cry, warning that you were about to attack me.
I, uh..." She stopped to laugh. "I wasn't aware until this precise and awkward moment that when startled in a startled in a strange place, my instincts would have me pretend to be a ninja."

Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Pages: 496
Reading Level: Young Adult


Summary:
Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Review:
Um, I didn't think that Cassandra Clare could top her Mortal Instruments series, but she has!! This new triology, Infernal Devices, is so amazing!  I was engrossed from page one.  I loved the time period. I have always thought that I was born in the wrong time.  I thought that the back story of shadowhunters was really well explained.  You needn't read The Mortal Instruments to understand Clockwork Angel.  It's a prequel in a sense.  Which I love!!  I thought the characters followed the same pattern as in City of Bones though, it would have been nice to shake it up a bit.  Yet they are the same, just a different name and different time.  I love Will, but I hate him at the same time.  I like Jem, and I like Tessa. I love that Magnus Bane, the warlock, is in here too!

I hate spoilers of any kind so I don't like to go into much detail about anything.  I don't want to dissect it and ruin it for you.  If you haven't jumped on the Cassandra Clare bandwagon, you should! I'm enamored by her books!

Quote:
"One must always be careful of books," said Tessa, "and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us."

Review: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Fallen Angels
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Pages: 424
Other titles in series: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass

Summary:
Who will fall in love, and who will find their relationship torn apart?
Who will betray everything they ever believed in?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge.
In the heart-pounding fourth installment of the Mortal Instruments series, the stakes are higher than ever.

Review:
This book is a second phase in the series.  It starts 6 wks after City of Glass.  But there are different stories being told, and the focus isn't soley on Clary and Jace.  I would say this is Simon's story.  He is learning to be a vampire, and also trying to live a normal life.  Which is hard to do and causing a lot of problems.  Clary and Jace are still here and are having their own relationship struggles. 

I'll say this wasn't my favorite in the series at all, but it was still good.  I almost feel like if you are going to resurrect a series to have another 3 books, you'd better have a good reason.  I'm hoping the next 2 books, yet to be released, will be much better.  I thought there was so much going on here, too many different stories.  I wasn't glued to this as I was the other books in the series.  But I still love anything that has to do with Jace and Clary, so I loved all their interaction in this book. It was still good, but not the best.


Quote:
"When did you two get so buddy-buddy? Last night, it was all, 'I'm the most elite warrior!', 'No, I'm the most elite warrior!' And today you're playing Halo and giving each other props for good ideas."
"We realized we have something in common," said Jace. "You annoy us both."

Review: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Glass
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Pages: 541
Reading Level: Young Adult
Other titles in series: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Fallen Angels

Summary:
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters — never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and her best friend, Simon, has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City — whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling The Mortal Instruments.
Review:
OH MY GOSH! This book was the best the series yet!  It is jam packed with action and romance.  I was seriously glued to this book.  There is SO much happening here I was going crazy over all the excitement!  Clary is such a great character and I'm so jealous over her red hair!  I could imagine her Shadowhunter fighting gear in my head and was all about the fight.  All our favorite characters were here, and I really got to understand each of them just a  little bit better.  I was rooting for them the whole way through.  Jace still has won my heart and I am SO happy with the ending of this book.  It has been what I was waiting for! I can't wait to start the next book City of Fallen Angels!

Quotes:
"There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then."

Review: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Ashes
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Pages: 453
Reading Level: Young Adult
Other titles in series: City of Bones, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels

Summary:
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

Review:
WOW! LOVED IT! I don't know what more  I can say.  I finished City of Bones at midnight and bought City of Ashes immediately on my Kindle App for my iPod.  Instant gratification is a beautiful thing.  I started reading, and finished it later that day.  The sexual tension in this book is wild! Another book full of action and suspense.  I was on the edge of my seat through the whole thing.  What was coming next? The humor is still great through the whole book.  I think I'd like to meet author Cassandra Clare.  She must have a really fun sense of humor. Jace is still my favorite character, but Simon entered my heart and I really like him as well.  But Jace is super hot, he's a little brain candy for me.  This is such a fantastic series, you need to read it.  I don't want to give anything away, so just trust me! It's amazing!

Quote:
"Some guys look at you like they only want sex. Jace looks at you like you've had sex - it was great and now you're just friends. Drives girls crazy. Know what I mean?" Yes. Clary thought. "No." Clary said."

Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Bones
Author:  Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Pages: 442
Reading Level: Young Adult
Other titles in series: City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels

Summary:
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder — much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Clary knows she should call the police, but it's hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary.

Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque demon.

But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

Review:
Holy cow! LOVED this book! I am late getting on The Mortal Instruments band wagon, I know.  My sister was after me forever to read them, and I finally did. For some odd reason I thought this book was all about Vampires.  Well, its not.  It's about a group of bad a** demon killers called Shadowhunters.  It is such a fantastic book!  Lots of action, romance, and paranormal activity!  I just whipped right through this one.  I thought the characters were well developed and I loved all the sarcasim! Really good sense of humor in this book.  If you haven't read this series you are mission out! I highly recommend it! Oh, and I might have a big crush on Jace....

Quote:
"Can I help you with something?"
Clary turned instant traitor against her gender. "Those girls on the other side of the car are staring at you."
Jace assumed an air of mellow gratification. "Of course they are," he said, "I am stunningly attractive."