Infernal Devices Trilogy

Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. (479, 502, 570 pages. 1551 total)


Having read and enjoyed Clare's Mortal Instrument series and with this having a stronger steampunk influence, I was quite looking forward to reading this trilogy.

Infernal Devices follows the life of Tessa Gray who is kidnapped as she arrives in London and thrust into the world of the Shadowhunters. Not sure whom to trust and unsure of everyone's motives for "helping" her, she quickly has to pick sides in a looming war or watch everything she loves be destroyed.

While the Infernal Devices trilogy can stand on its own, I would highly recommend reading the Mortal Instruments first. A lot of information about the world of Shadowhunting is assumed to be common knowledge, and therefore explained in less detail. I feel this could detract from readers enjoyment of the series.


Note: In writing this post, and trying to link the catalog back to this page, I discovered that this series has been adapted into a Manga! Stay tuned for a review of that adaptation.

Angels and Demons

The Mammoth book of Angels and Demons, 544 pages

This is another one of those collection of short stories novels based around a certain theme. As you might have been able to guess by the title every story is based on either angels, demons, or in some cases both. I am not sure what initially drew me to this book, maybe it was the cover art or the fact that it was edited by Puala Guran instead of the usual George R. R. Martin. Either way it was worth reading.

Like nearly every collective work I have posted on here, some stories were enjoyable, some were dull/boring, and others were just weird or interesting. While it did have stories by some of my favorite authors, Neil Gaiman, George R.R. Martin, etc. none of the stories really stood out as exceptionally noteworthy. Though the TSA using the full body scanners to check for demon possession instead of weapons was close.

What was noticeable though was how often St Louis featured into this book. Of the twenty seven short stories I noticed that four and maybe a fifth(it was a little vaguer) either mentioned part of St Louis, took place here, or passed though the town. One of the stories even specifically mentions the bus half hanging off the roof of the City Museum! Getting even closer to the library one of the demons who was originally passing though St Louis ends up staying and residing in the Park Pacific Building, which is right across the street. When I was reading that story I just happened to be sitting out front of Central and could not help but glance at the building and give it a suspecting glare.

Having a book both talk about, or even mention areas that are familiar really help to immerse the reader and in this case make me like the book that much more. But I tend to find this only works when I don't know that St Louis is going to be mentioned, otherwise it loses the thrill.

Blood Trinity

Blood Trinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon, 519 pages

This book, and I suspect this series is quite similar to the Dark Hunter series also by Kenyon. The similarities include a semisecret paranormal organization composed of supernatural beings are trying to prevent other supernatural beings from overly interfering with regular human life. Like her other books this one also follows a strong female lead character that hasn't found love and suspects she never. That is until she meets someone she classifies as a big jerk that saves her and she falls in love.

Despite the multiple love stories happening in the subplot Blood Trinity still is less of a romance than the books I have read in the Dark Hunter series. I am interested to see if the rest of the series will continue in this line, or slip into the romance section.

Deadly Curiosities

Deadly Curiosities by Gail Z. Martin, 456 pages.

This book takes place almost entirely in Charleston SC in a community that is more open to ghosts and strange events. Its business as usual for Cassidy who runs a pawn shop that deals with supernatural items until items start going wonky. Not only are previously safe items activating in malicious ways but there are also bodies turning up that hint at something more.

If you like/liked watching Warehouse 13 you should read this book. It has the same general plot; two people led by a shadowy figure stop dangerous magical items from hurting people or falling into the wrong hands. It has the two conflicting groups, one out to protect people and one out to make money by using the items. And lastly it has the same general character types. There are some differences. The main one being that they sell the items that are not harmful and the cast possess more magical abilities.

This book is suppose to be the start of a series and I will eagerly wait for the next one.