Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

If you like dystopian novels and you enjoy steampunk, this is me pointing you towards Masque of the Red Death. I'm not saying that everyone is running around in Victorian clothes--because the Weeping Sickness that's been plaguing the city makes being that covered up impossible--but there's airships and steam powered carriages.

I've been looking forward to Masque of the Red Death ever since Lauren DeStefano mentioned loving it on Twitter (and Goodreads) and let's just say that it definitely lived up to my expectations. Having said that, I will admit that I had one problem with Araby: she's sworn an oath to herself to never do anything that her brother Finn can't--seeing as how he died when they were younger. I'll be honest, if my brother died, I'd be devastated too, but I imagine that he'd want me to live my life, not spend it mourning him indefinitely like Araby seems dead set on doing. But other than that, Araby has a good heart and I loved her as a character.

And then there's Elliot, April's brother and as such, nephew to Prince Prospero. He's planning to overthrow his uncle and he also tells Araby that she can't trust him. But there's so much more to him than that and I promise you, you'll understand what I mean when you read Masque of the Red Death. On the other hand, you have Will, who works at the Debauchery Club--and Araby likes him more than she'd like to admit. He has two younger siblings who are absolutely adorable--Elise and Henry--and I love how devoted he is to taking care of them as best he can.

I know I haven't really mentioned Araby's parents, but they both seem like genuinely nice people who are dealing with things as best they can. There's also a lot more to them than initially meets the eye--you'll learn about it as the book progresses. As for the plot and pacing, I really enjoyed it. To be honest, I didn't put Masque of the Red Death down until I'd finished reading it; there were moments that I definitely was not expecting (in the last fifth of the book) and I can't wait to see how things develop in the next book. The world that Masque of the Red Death is set in is also really interesting and in particular, the plague and how the symptoms manifest--as well as why clothing reveals legs and arms.

If you're looking for something that will keep you flipping pages and leave you wanting the next book as soon as possible, definitely look into picking up a copy of Masque of the Red Death. It's a book that I definitely enjoyed and I hope that you'll love it too!

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Publisher: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins. 

Release Date: April 24, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and Edelweiss.

The Nightmare Garden by Caitlin Kittredge

If you haven't read The Iron Thorn yet, you might want to stop reading now--if you don't want spoilers from The Iron Thorn (as it was the first book in the series).

The Nightmare Garden begins where The Iron Thorn leaves off, with Aoife Grayson being reunited with her brother, Conrad Grayson in the Mists, the world between the worlds Iron and Thorn. In The Nightmare Garden, Aoife will search for her mother, learn of the Brotherhood of Iron, visit the Erlkin city called Windhaven, and journey to the Arctic Circle as she searches for a way to make everything right. You'll meet the captain of a submersible named Rasputina Ivanova and even meet Queen Octavia of the Winter Court. Needless to say, there's a lot going on in The Nightmare Garden and it's definitely setting up the third book to be pretty interesting.

For the record, I have indeed read The Iron Thorn (although for some reason I've never gotten around to writing my review on it--which hopefully I'll have time to do at some point) and although it's always a bit rough coming back into a series after that year long wait that sits between books, I feel pretty easily back into Aoife's world. She's definitely not the girl that left Lovecraft several weeks before to hunt for her brother and to be honest, I'm not entirely sure that I like her as much as I initially did. Why? Because she seems a bit whiny at times and perhaps not as empathetic as she could be. When you meet Crow, I imagine that you'll know what I mean about Aoife's personality change and hopefully she'll continue to evolve as a character and move past it. (Actually, she starts to towards the end, but I'm hoping that the change is more evident in the next book... which I imagine it will be.)

Alright, there was something that I didn't see coming in The Nightmare Garden and as much as I'd like to tell you about it, there's no way that I can say it without spoiling it for you. Let's just say that hopefully it'll resolve itself in the next book. As for the plot itself, things definitely move along nicely and although I feel like I would've liked a steadier stream of action, I definitely can't complain. You'll see a lot more of the Iron world, a fair bit of the Mist realm, a glimpse of the Iron realm, and lastly a glimpse of a world that isn't exactly a part of any of the others (if that made any sense). Did I mention that you'll get to see the aftermath in Lovecraft? Because you will definitely catch a glimpse of that and Windhaven seems like an interesting city (its residents are also an interesting bunch). You'll run into Cal, Dean, and Bethina (of course) and along the way you'll also meet several new characters that I imagine we haven't seen the last of just yet.

In all, if you enjoy steampunk books with a healthy helping of fantasy, you might want to check out the Iron Codex trilogy if you haven't already. If you've enjoyed The Iron Thorn then I'd definitely suggest that you pick up The Nightmare Garden and if you're curious as to why it's called The Nightmare Garden, I'm assuming that it has to do with the nightmare clock (which you'll learn about in this book).

Overall Rating: ★★★★

The Nightmare Garden by Caitlin Kittredge

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House.

Release Date: February 14, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

If you haven't read Clockwork Angel yet, I'm going to suggest that you stop reading now. Seriously, I'd prefer not to spoil things--although, if some spoilers don't bother you, feel free to read on.

I've been waiting for Clockwork Prince for quite some time now, having read Clockwork Angel last year and all. It's always a bit odd, coming back to a book in a series and admittedly, it took me a bit to get reacquainted with all of the characters in Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices series. Also, the focus of Clockwork Prince really felt like Tessa's relationship with Jem--and Will, but mainly Jem. Yes, they're hunting for Magister, but I felt like it really took a back seat to the romance. (Have I mentioned that I've been Team Jem since Clockwork Angel? Because Clockwork Prince has really reinforced this for me.)

Charlotte is fighting the Lightwoods for control of the London Institute, the pieces are beginning to fall into place for the Magister, and dear Tessa still has no idea just what she is--although there are some terribly interesting tidbits about what she is (in a more general term). As always, Will has the uncanny ability to make me laugh and the banter between Will and Jem is always amusing. Meanwhile, Sophie is showing some serious growth (in my opinion) and I can't wait to see how she progresses in Clockwork Princess! Jessamine on the other hand, well, I'm a bit disappointed in her--but who wouldn't be? Seriously, you'll understand what I'm talking about when you read Clockwork Prince. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't her biggest fan to begin with, but I didn't expect that from her.

Cassandra Clare has done it again and well, I was unable to put Clockwork Prince down! (Also, if Tessa changes her mind about a certain something, I'm going to probably hit my head against my desk!) Would I recommend Clockwork Prince to you? Yes! Granted, of course, I am a huge fan of the Victorian era, enjoy the steampunk elements within the Infernal Devices series, and well, I'm always game for a love triangle.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster

Release Date: December 6, 2011

Edition: Hardcover

* Purchased on my own.

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Dearly, Departed 
Author: Lia Habel
Publisher: Del Rey Books (a part of Random House)
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Edition: ARC
*Won through a Twitter contest. 

Nora Dearly isn't like other New Victorian girls. After all, they don't know how to wield guns and they certainly haven't been abducted by a group of zombies. Wait, perhaps I ought to say "the group of individuals effected with the Lazarus." However, the members of Company Z are the least of her problems as the Grays are after her too and as far as zombies go, they're much less civilized.

Whenever I think of stories involving zombies, I picture mindless creatures with a taste for human flesh. Yes, the zombies in Dearly, Departed crave human flesh (and organs) but those from Company Z get their protein elsewhere--like from tofu. Yes, you heard me, tofu. And although not all zombies are perfectly preserved (so to speak) they're kept from being particularly smelly or terrifying to gaze upon. Did I mention that they can talk? Because they certainly do a lot of that--although not all are capable of doing so. However, not all the zombies in Dearly, Departed are like that; some are the classic depiction of zombies and it isn't pretty.

I'm warning you now, there are multiple PoV's in Dearly, Departed. This means that asides from Nora's point of view, you also get Pamela's and Bram's amongst two others that I won't get into. So yes, there are five different points of view. Nora's was obviously my favorite part although Bram's was a close second as it's always fun to see things from the boy's point of view.

Grays aren't the only problem in Nora's world though as the New Victorians are constantly at war with the Punks, who believe that the New Victorians rely too heavily on technology. Overall, Nora's world is certainly complex and I'm looking forward to seeing how things will develop in the next book.

But let's take a moment to talk about Nora and Bram because let's face it, their romance helps move the story along--and it's what drew me to Dearly, Departed in the first place. It's definitely not an instant attraction--I mean, how could it be when he's a zombie? However, as Nora grows to trust Bram, she falls for him and he's been head over heels for her since the start. The big issue that the two face is rather obvious; after all, he's dead and at best, he's got another five years to be with her.

Favorite minor character? Dr. Samedi without a doubt and once you read Dearly, Departed, you'll understand why. Let's just say that he doesn't always have his head on straight. ;) Chas, a female zombie, is pretty darn awesome too though and needless to say, she gets along with Nora.

Overall I loved the setting, the characters, and the story. My only gripe is minor and a personal preference--I usually prefer two points of view at most. Because of this, I'd definitely recommend Dearly, Departed to you. It appeals to my love of the Victorian era, strong female characters, and an unlikely romance. This is definitely a book to look forward to in October.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: McElderry Books (an imprint of Simon & Schuster)
Published: 8/31/2010
Edition: Hardcover
* Purchased on my own.

Summary from GoodReads: 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.

My Thoughts: 
First off, I'll--reluctantly--admit that this is the first Cassandra Clare novel that I've read. However, I can honestly say that I enjoyed it. The flow was steady and there was nary a dull moment. On top of that, I tend to enjoy the particular time period in which the story was set (the Victorian Era or more specifically, Clockwork Angel begins in 1878). 

Theresa Gray, known as Tessa, is our main character and though she begins the story blissfully unaware of the paranormal, she is soon tossed into the fray (so to speak) and is forced to learn what she is as well as how to change. Throughout the story, she evolves from a naive young miss into one much more capable of handling the changes in her world. 

And then there's Jem, who is often the voice of reason. Originally hailing from Shanghai, the reason for why he has ended up in London is certainly interesting--although sad too. He spends a very large chunk of time with Will--whom is much more brash than Jem and often in a mood. Or rather, Will spends a large chunk of time with Jem due to Jem's particular ailment. To put it simply, they are a very interesting pair. 


Overall, I really did enjoy Clockwork Angel. There was just the right amount of romance, the supporting characters was wonderful, and I love that the details didn't overwhelm the story, they just helped clarify the picture a little. Then there were the supernatural/paranormal elements which I thought were rather well done--as was the lore behind each of the paranormal groups. I must also confess that Nate--Tessa's brother--is my least favorite character; the reason behind this is, I hope, rather apparent if you read Clockwork Angel. With that said, I can't wait to see what Cassandra has in store for Clockwork Prince come September 2011! 

Overall Rating: ★★★★


What did you make of Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel?