Ship It Or Rip It Part 6

So here is the 6th installment of Ship It Or Rip It! I am loving these posts, and I hope you are too. I've got lots of other great posts lined up so watch this space!

This is currently the last post as I only have 16 characters left and so 6 will carry on to when I've added more characters. 

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles) and Call (Magisterium)

I could actually see this happening? Call is such an unfortunte soul that I think Cress would do him a world of good, although he would probably find her too girly at first. She would dote over his heroism, just as she does Thorne.

Verdict: Ship it.

Ron (Harry Potter) and Tris (Divergent)

Hmm another interesting one! But, again, I think it would sort of work. Both have come from a loving family and have (sort of) willingly thrown themselves into danger to help others. They are both brave and selfless and whilst I imagine they would make better friends than lovers, I reckon they could give it a good go.

Verdict: Ship it.

Draco (Harry Potter) and Jem (The Infernal Devices)

Can't see this working at all. Don't get me wrong, I imagine Draco might admire what the Shadowhunters do and perhaps even good Draco would get along with Jem, but they definitely would never make a couple (as much as my fangirl heart kind of now wants it!)

Verdict: Rip it.

Jacin (The Lunar Chroncicles) and Maxon (The Selection)

I actually see this working! They're both a little flat (although I do prefer Maxon) and with Maxon being a Prince and Jacin being a guard.. yes! Someone write this cross over now, I actually need it.

Verdict: Ship it.

Diana (Gone series) and Izzy (The Mortal Instruments)

When I first saw this, I laughed. But now, I actually see it. They are both strong, fierce women and although Diana is a bit wacky, once she settles down I could see her and Izzy being a super bada** power couple!

Verdict: Ship it.

Read parts 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.

Thanks for reading! I've loved doing these posts and the fantastic ships that come out of it. Are you enjoying them? If so, comment your views below and any characters you would love to see included next time!

Ship It Or Rip It Part 2

Welcome to the second installment of Ship It Or Rip It! Who shall get paired up today?

Grover (Percy Jackson) and Tessa (The Infernal Devices)

Wow what a pair! Whilst Tessa would totally accept Grover once she is introduced to the Shadow world, I just can't see the pair getting on. At all. Whilst admiring of each others braveness, I just don't think they could get together.

Verdict: Rip it.

Jessamine (The Infernal Devices) and Bronwyn (Raised By Wolves)

Another interesting pair, and one I think might just work. The only downside would be Jessamine's hatred of wolves due to their connection with the Shadow world. Bronwyn is brave, strong and a natural leader, whereas Jessamine prefers to be the lady of the house, but I somehow think that they might just pull it off.

Verdict: Ship it.

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles) and Alec (The Mortal Instruments)

Scarlet could definitely make it as a shadowhunter. She is bold, brave, confident and daring, willing to sacrifice anything for good. Alec would be a great partner to her and I reckon they would definitely work together. Whilst Alec is a little shy, he would compliment Scarlet really well and vice versa. Definitely shipping this pair!

Verdict: Ship it.

Will (The Infernal Devices) and Astrid (Gone)

Never in a million years. Whilst it's clear that Will is intelligent and likes women with brains too, I feel Astrid is just a bit too nerdy smart. Then there's the fact that she's not exactly brilliant at looking after her brother, which would certainly put Will off. I could see Astrid liking Will as he is a hero, but she's quite needy and Will's coldness (at first) would drive her away.

Verdict: Rip it.

Ginny (Harry Potter) and Celeste (The Selection)

I can see Celeste having no time for Ginny, especially as she is from a poor family whereas Celeste is very wealthy and I can also see Ginny hating Celeste for being so horrible. However, despite that, I can't help but think that they would make a pretty badass couple! 

Verdict: Ship it.

Read part 1 here!

Don't forget to comment your views on these ships, and list any characters you would like to see included below!

Book Review: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Lady Midnight – Cassandra Clare

*Warning – may contain spoilers* (I have tried my hardest not to)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

First published: 2016

Cover: Paperback with blue page edges

Pages: 669 + 22-page short story

Blurb:    In a kingdom by the sea…

 In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word. A parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other – but they can never fall in love.

Emma Carstairs is a warrior, a Shadowhunter. She lives for battle. Alongside her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, she patrols Los Angeles, where vampires party on the Sunset Strip, and faeries – the most powerful of supernatural creatures – teeter on the edge of war with Shadowhunters. When the bodies of humans and faeries are found murdered in the same way Emma’s parents were when she was a child, an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held by the faerie Courts. All they have to do is solve the murders within two weeks… and before the murderer targets them.

Their search takes Emma from the sea caves full of sorcery to a dark lottery where death is dispensed. And each clue she unravels uncovers more secrets. What has Julian been hiding from her all these years? Why does Shadowhunter Law forbid parabatai to fall in love? Who really killed her parents – and can she bear to know the truth?

History of my copy: I got this copy delivered to me on release day and I have been reading it since then. I hate how long it has taken me to read it! If I had it my way, I would’ve stayed up all night to finish it. However, amongst school, being ill, and having to catch up on work, it took me so long to read.

Plot: Lady Midnight follows the Los Angeles Institute five years (I think) after the events of City of Heavenly Fire. It’s a world where Julian Blackthorn is the father figure to all his siblings, and practically runs the Institute himself. The plot follows the Blackthorn’s, along with Emma Carstairs and Christina as they secretly investigate some murders that are awfully similar to Emma’s parent’s death.

         Without spoiling the plot for anyone, I’m just going to say this: The Guardian was totally not who I expected it to be!!! Plot twist!

         My only major problem with the plot was Julian and Emma’s relationship. I just feel like the romantic side was so forced. To be honest, I loved the brief bit of Mark and Emma that happened just at the end!

         Also, the short story at the end – Sizzy and Clace!!!!!!

         Another great thing about the plot was that it was kept separate from The Mortal Instruments. Sure, it would help to read them to get the background story, to know who Jace and Clary are, etc. but there is nothing preventing you from reading The Dark Artifices as a stand-alone series.

Setting: I do feel as if the setting could have been described a little more, as a few times I wasn’t really sure what the landscape was like. As I’ve never been to L.A., I couldn’t really picture it too well.

Characters: As always, Clare has brilliantly crafted her characters so that you fall in love with them, whilst noticing their flaws, and preparing to have your heart ripped out.

                I do feel as if the Blackthorn family is a little too large – a few times I had to pause to try and remember which child it was, how old they were, what they’re like, etc. Maybe in future books they will all begin to play a major part, which would explain why there are so many of them.

                I would also like a lot more background on Christina and Diego, and what happened in Mexico, but I imagine that shall be explored in future books. I also would’ve liked a little more back story to Malcolm Fade, the warlock.

                Furthermore, I totally cannot wait to see Kit’s character to develop as he accepts his new identity.

                One of my favourite things about the characters though was the occasional sprinkling of all those old characters we love! From Jem and Tessa through to Jace and Clary, then there is Simon and Isabelle’s engagement and Alec and Magnus and their adopted kids!! This book contains a good mix of old and new that both die-hard fans and new readers will struggle to resist.

To read or not to read: Read. Overall, this is another fantastic Shadowhunter novel by Cassandra Clare. When first announced, there was a bit of an outcry that she was over-using the Shadow World. However, with an idea so brilliantly unique and well-crafted, as long as the stories remain unique and interesting, she can write as many as she wants in my opinion! Definitely go and read, regardless of whether you have read The Infernal Devices and/or The Mortal Instruments or not. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed. (And you will probably fall in love with Mark Blackthorn too). 

Book Review: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess – Cassandra Clare

*Warning – may contain spoilers*

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd.

First published: 2013

Cover: Paperback

Pages: 565

Blurb:    Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment in the breathtaking conclusion to The Infernal Devices trilogy.
Tessa Gray should be happy - aren't all brides happy? Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London institute. A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, The Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.

History of my copy: A friend of mine got me into City of Bones and the rest of The Mortal Instruments series a few years ago, and since then I've been hooked on the Shadowhunter world. The Infernal Devices are a fantastic prequel series that I picked up not much longer after getting into the Shadowhunter books.

This is the second time I have read The Infernal Devices, and I am still so in love with them! Cassandra Clare is a fantastic author, and her Shadowhunter world is beautiful and believable. I am a huge fans of books that fit a fantasy world around the real world, such as Harry Potter and The Infernal Devices, because it makes them just that little more believable.

Plot: As the final instalment in The Infernal Devices, I’m not going to delve into the plot too much as it will make little sense unless you have read the previous two novels. Basically, this book ties up Mortmain’s story, ultimately leading to his death and the downfall of his clockwork army, which have been made even more deadly by tying them to demons thanks to Tessa. Also, this book concludes the heartbreaking decision of Jem or Will in the most surprising way possible.

Setting: One of my favourite things about this series is that it is set in Victorian London, a setting I find always improves every book. The only other main setting is the ironically chosen Cadair Idris. Clare describes the settings well, allowing you to really feel as if you are really immersed in Shadowhunter Britain.

Characters: The development of Will Herondale throughout the series has led to him being one of my favourite all time characters. Funny yet kind, honest yet seemingly cold to all the world but Jem and Tessa, he really is the dark-haired, blue eyed boy you fall in love with.

                Another of my all-time favourite characters appears in this book, despite being introduced in The Mortal Instruments, is Magnus Bane. As a warlock, he is extravagant, wise and unique. Despite trying not to, you can see he really does care about the London Shadowhunters, especially Will and Tessa, and he is a pivotal character, along with Henry Branwell, in making the Portal.

               

To read or not to read: Read. I would recommend any Shadowhunter novel to everyone, as they are fantastically written and you really do get lost in their world.

A Tale of Two Cities

So, as I mentioned before, I finally got my hands on a copy of A Tale of Two Cities earlier in my favourite shop, Waterstones!
Charles Dickens is an author I have always wanted to read, especially as he has such a major role in classical literature. I've read the odd excerpt and chapter throughout school, but I've never read a complete book of his.
A Tale of Two Cities has been one that I've had my eye on for years and after reading The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare, Tessa's (and Will's) love for it just made me want to delve into it even more.
I had noticed that Waterstones had been selling really beautiful cloth bound copies of lots of classics (and, of course, I want all of them) but AToTC was the one that really caught my eye, especially as the one I wanted to read the most. However, ever since I discovered it, I've been unable to find it, despite religiously checking my local Waterstones in Plymouth every time I was there.
Today I nearly couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it. I rushed across the shop, dodging people, and probably sounded a little mad as I exclaimed "They finally have it!" I must admit, mum wasn't too happy about me buying more books (especially as I had also picked up a book for my friend for Christmas) but after spending so long looking for it, I felt that I finally deserved it and I can't wait to start it!
If anyone else has read it, I would love to hear your thoughts (although no spoilers of course - do spoilers still apply to books that are centuries old?)

In other news, I got an e-mail early this evening inviting me to a medicine interview at King's College Cambridge! I am over the moon and was bouncing around my house in excitement.