Review: The Bane Chronicles

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this collection of novellas, and though I didn't completely speed through this, I really enjoyed having more insight on characters that weren't featured as much in The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices.

My favorite novella was the one featuring Edmund Herondale. It was also interesting seeing the backstory of Magnus and his relationships with fellow Warlocks Ragnor Fell and Catarina Loss, and his relationship with Camille. Plus, these novellas presented more of Malec's relationship in the books that we never got to see, since the books were focused more on Clary.

I did not realize that Tessa was at Magnus' house when Jocelyn came trying to stop Clary seeing the Shadow World at a young age. Seeing more from The Circle was great, because their prejudice was less theoretical, and more hard hitting. I previously read the Shadowhunter Academy novellas, so I already learned more about Valentine's followers, but to read how brutal they were and how loyal they were to Valentine was quite enlightening. It was also great how a novella explored more of Raphael's backstory, and added to my understanding of his character. Furthermore, seeing how Ragnor Fell and Raphael interacted was great. I love how they both ganged up on Magnus!

I give this novella bind up a 5/5 stars, because the writing was excellent, the characters were rich and well developed, and every novella broadened my understanding of the Shadow World. Having multiple authors did not change the fluidity of the story or the characterization, and it did not change the quality of the story.


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Review: Size 12 and Ready to Rock

Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series from Meg Cabot. It has just the right amount of Comedy and Mystery. Heather Wells was a pop star in the 90's, and is no longer in the music industry. She is now an Assistant Residence Hall Director at New York College, a Private College in New York City. With this job, she has to deal with many troublesome College students, and the situations they get their selves into. She has investigated mysterious deaths in past books of the series, and that doesn't change in this book.

Heather Wells' character is very relatable, I believe, despite her pop star past. In this installment, we learn more about Jordan and Tania's marriage, and Tania's past. In the earlier books, we don't learn much about her except that she is the reason that Heather and Jordan broke up. Also, a reality TV show aspect is introduced which creates an opportunity for more drama as well as more comedy, which is much appreciated. Heather and Cooper are engaged in this novel, not so secretly (despite their wishes). I really appreciate the natural progression of their relationship, and it has a presence in the story, but the novel isn't overwhelmingly focused on their relationship.

I enjoyed the continuing tales of Jordan and his family, as his eccentric sisters are introduced. Also, Magda and her boyfriend Pete do not have such a big presence in this book, but it does not take away from the story. New characters are introduced such as Stephanie, Jared and Lisa Wu. I enjoyed the segment with parallels between Lisa and Heather particularly.

I found no problems with this book to speak of. I enjoy each Meg Cabot book, and I don't necessarily find any faults in them. The pacing was great, the story advanced well, introducing new characters and examining previously established characters more. Adding a backstory to Tania's character added a lot to the central plot, and I enjoyed seeing the different layers of her character. This series keeps getting better, and I can't wait to read the last book, The Bride Who Wore Size 12.

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