The Mortal Instruments: Chapter Reviews Begins

I've decided, in preparation for the publication of the prequels to Cassandra Clare's trilogy The Mortal Instruments as well as the fourth book's publication I am going to do chapter reviews of each book.

I'll be posting here and making videos (for most chapters) on my Youtube channel (AnniaLennox).

And don't forget to check out the website for the books for all the latest information on each of the books.
http://www.mortalinstruments.com/

First Book: City of Bones
Part One: Dark Descent
Chapter One: Pandemonium

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Synopsis:
Becky Bloomwood has what most twenty-five-year-olds only dream of: a flat in London's trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season's must-haves. The only trouble is, she can't actually afford it- not any of it. Her job writing at Successful Saving magazine not only bores her to tears, it doesn't pay much at all. Still, how can she resist that perfect pair of shoes? Or the divine silk blouse in the window of that ultra-trendy boutique? But lately Becky's been chased by dismal letters from Visa and the Endwich Bank- letters with large red sums she can't bear to read- and they're getting ever harder to ignore. She tries cutting back; she even tries making more money. But none of her efforts succeeds. Her only consolation is to buy herself something...just a little something...

Finally, a story arises that Becky actually cares about, and her front-page article catalyzes a chain of events that will transform her life- and the lives those around her- forever.

My Review:
Confessions of a Shopaholic was my first foray into the Chick Lit genre and I've never looked back. Becky Bloomwood has not shortage of flaws, but Kinsella writes her beautifully, so you can't help but love her.

I was actually sucked into Becky's life and felt the same emotions. The plot is deeper than I expected and has ties to the real world; maybe more now than when it was originally published.

P.S. If you've seen the movie you should still check out the book (especially if you didn't like the movie).

* * * * * 5/5 Stars

Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith

Synopsis:
It begins in a cold and shabby tower room, where young Countess Meliara swears to her dying father that she and her brother will defend their people from the growing greed of the king. That promise leads them into a war fro which they are ill-prepared, a war that threatens the homes and lives of the very people they are trying to protect.

But war is simple compared to what follows, when the bloody fighting is done and a fragile peace is at hand. Although she wants to turn her back on politics and the crown, Meliara is summoned to the royal palace. There, she soon discovers, friends and enemies look alike, and intrigue fills the dance halls and the drawing rooms. If she is to survive, Meliara must learn a whole new way of fighting- with wit and words and secret alliances. In war, at least, she knew whom she could trust. Now, she can trust no one...

My Review:
This book is unique in that it's not merely a physical battle for power, but also an intellectual one. First, you experience a war and then court intrigue.

Meliara is a truly human character from humble origins and in full awareness of her faults. But she is also a strong and determined young woman. I loved reading her story and waited with fear to see which of her "friends" she could actually trust.

Also, there is a love story within the larger tale. It is adorable, but not the main focus. This makes Crown Duel appealing to both boys and girls as well as many age groups.

The ending had a twinge of predictability, but in the best way possible. Especially if you are able to read a copy with the additional short story that Sherwood Smith wrote like was.

* * * * 4/5 Stars