The NEW FACE of Jace

If you’ve been following the Shadowhunter/TMI updates for the past couple of months, I’m sure it’s not a surprise to you that Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series has been given a second chance - second chance to prove to people how insanely badass the story is and another chance to redeem itself.

As a fan of the series, I can’t tell you how both extremely excited and nervous I was when it was announced years ago that they were going to make a movie out of the books. Finally, the Shadowhunters and friends (especially the famous glittery warlock) will be personified. But as the casting went on, my excitement deflated. I was having a hard time picturing some of the characters playing their respective roles. But I tried to have faith with the people behind the movie. I convinced myself that they know what they were doing.  And the movie came out after a few months. I did not expect much, but I was still a little bummed that it was not as good as I wanted it to be. I guess it was okay. It’s not one of those movies that I would gush about for days and force my friend to watch.

Then, the news broke out that The Mortal Instruments series will be made into a television series. Well, for me, that is definitely good news. There’s a chance that the story will be closer to the books, and the story won’t be rushed because you have an entire season (and more seasons to come, hopefully) to map out the plot. Aside from that, another thing to be excited about is the new cast. Yay!

*ignore the TMI back story and fast forward to the casting news*

DOMINIC SHERWOOD will be the new JACE!!!

I am not really a fan of Dom Sherwood. You might have seen him on Vampire Academy playing Lissa’s love interest, and on Taylor Swift’s Style music video. He’s okay, but not the picture of Jace I had in mind.  There’s actually no vivid picture of Jace in my head. Hahahahaha! Anyway, after I found out about the casting, I searched for pictures and videos of him.  The pictures were “hmmm… no comment” (he’s appearance is similar to Robert Pattinson, and I don’t like Rob), but the videos I’ve seen were pretty good. Maybe it was his charm, or the British accent, or maybe even his different colored eyes. Whatever it is, there was something that told me he might play Jace well. There might be chance that he’s Jace after all.

Right now, I'm sure my Shadowhunter friends are waiting for the next casting news. *fingers crossed*

Random Note: This is my first post this 2015. I miss doing this!!!

Confessions of a Self-Proclaimed Shadowhunter Fan

When I first read City of Bones a few years ago, I got totally hooked. I really liked the plot (the plot twists are crazy), the characters, and the way Cassandra Clare just winds up your emotions as you read the story. It has lengthy descriptions making the book very vivid and detailed. Some might find it a little too much, or a little too wordy for their tastes, but I was okay with it. In fact, I immediately became a fan of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter books. 

I went through the first three books like it was nothing, and I really enjoyed the whole reading experience. But when I picked up and started the fourth book, City of Fallen Angels, all the eagerness to read it was nowhere to be found. I don't know why, but I didn't feel like reading it. This happened two years ago, and up until now I haven't gotten past the first few pages of the book.

I have a few bits of theories as to why I haven't gotten past the third book.

#1 I was (sort of) satisfied with City of Glass' ending. There was an epic battle, characters died, relationships were mended and started, etc... And from what I remember, The Mortal Instruments was originally just a trilogy: City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass. I don't know exactly what happened, but the story continued, and the trilogy became a six-book series. I guess my mind never got over the fact that City of Glass is not the last book. It is not yet the end. 

#2 This second theory is a little harder to explain, and it's a little weird. 

Have you ever felt kinda bored reading about a YA couple? See, I have this girl-boy fictional relationship problem. In my mind, there are stages of a YA Romantic Relationship: (1) the first encounter; (2) the largest and most significant part, the relationship-building and development; (3) the "it's official" stage; (4) the stage of conflicts and misunderstandings; and lastly (5) the "getting back together" stage. That's the normal course of a typical YA relationship for me. I love reading about the first two stages. But a little after the third and the fourth stages are my most hated parts. And guess what stage Jace and Clary's relationship are in? I'm not trying to be judgmental or anything, but I guess that'show my brain works these days. 

#3 Maybe I'm just not so into the series anymore. Yes, I am a fan of the series, but I really don't feel like continuing it at the moment. 

Anyway...

CITY OF HEAVENLY FIRE

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!

700+ pages of pain, heartbreak, fury, love,

happiness, and all other intense emotions.
Get your copies now.

In time, I will probably be able to read and finish this series. But tight now, I just wish all the fans a wonderful reading experience (prepare yourselves!). And for those tragically broke, or those who are still saving up to buy the book, will the book trailer make you feel any better?

No, I have not seen the trailer.

I do not want any spoilers for City of Lost Souls and City of Fallen Angels.

Happy reading!!!

BYE!

MOVIE MADNESS: The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES (2013)

Lead Cast: Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower

Director: Harald Zwart

Sony Pictures

Fantasy, Action-Adventure

IMDb:

Set in contemporary New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray (Lily Collins), discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of young half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect our world from demons. After the disappearance of her mother (Lena Headey), Clary must join forces with a group of Shadowhunters, who introduce her to a dangerous alternate New York called Downworld, filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves and other deadly creatures. Based on the worldwide best-selling book series.


*******

My Thoughts:

August has finally come, and what event am I most looking forward to this month? The release of the movie adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s worldwide bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones International Trailer

Because of all the stress from school and all the work that needs to be done, my fangirl powers have diminished. I am sorry to say that I was not informed that they will be releasing the international trailer this Tuesday. I just randomly logged in on facebook to check on my messages, and what did I find?  The new trailer! But hey, at least I found out about it.

So, first thought: This is not a new trailer. These are clips from the previous 2 trailers that is just put into a  bit of sequence video and called it the "international trailer."

Maybe that's a bit true, but there are some additional scenes, you know... One noticeable addition is Simon's scene saying how he was the one always there for Clary and not him (Jace). I can't say I like this new trailer, but I don't hate it either. Neutral.

Thoughts? Comments?

The Bane Chronicles: What Really Happened in Peru

Cassandra Clare, along with her author friends Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan, has teamed up to create a spin-off (sort of) of her The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. This centers around the life and adventures of the famous warlock, Magnus Bane, known to be one of the favorites from the two shadowhunter series. The synopsis/blurb from goodreads says every possible brief detail about The Bane Chronicles. Here it goes...

******

What Really Happened in Peru

by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Goodreads:

Fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices know that Magnus Bane is banned from Peru—and now they can find out why. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

There are good reasons Peru is off-limits to Magnus Bane. Follow Magnus’s Peruvian escapades as he drags his fellow warlocks Ragnor Fell and Catarina Loss into trouble, learns several instruments (which he plays shockingly), dances (which he does shockingly), and disgraces his host nation by doing something unspeakable to the Nazca Lines.

This standalone e-only short story illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality populates the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. This story in The Bane Chronicles, What Really Happened in Peru, is written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare.

***

Date Read: April 20, 2013
Rating: 3 Stars
"short thoughts..."

For those who are really fond of Magnus Bane from The Mortal Instruments or The Infernal Devices, this might be a little disappointing. It succeeded with its easy humor and we got a glimpse of how deep Magnus can be when family or mortal love is mentioned. But the fact that it did not bring much satisfaction after reading the ebook really sucked.

Reaction upon finishing the book: "That was it!?", "What really happened in Peru? Nothing of great importance.", "Aaaaah! I hope this gets better."

A bit disappointing, but I still love Magnus. (view spoiler)[ It was not his fault that the reason was not disclosed by the High Council of Peruvian Warlocks.  (hide spoiler)]

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CLOCKWORK PRINCESS Book Trailer

The long wait is over! EW.com has finally released the much-anticipated trailer of the third and final installment of the Infernal Devices trilogy, Clockwork Princess. This is Cassandra Clare’s other shadowhunters series set in the Victorian era; the prequel to the Mortal Instruments series which is, by the way, soon to be premiering on big screens this coming August 23, 2013.

I have been really waiting for this trailer to come out for quite a while now. Knowing that the girl on the cover of the book will also play Tessa in the trailer increased the level of anticipation and excitement. When I found out that the trailer was already released, I was immediately on “freak out” mode together with my sister. We were silently screaming in the middle of the night (different time zone from the US). But honestly, I was a little disappointed with the trailer. It wasn’t as grand as Clockwork Prince’s trailer. It didn’t have a lot of dramatization or teaser scenes that will make readers want to make time go faster and release the final book already. Also, it was a bit short. The nice thing about it, on the other hand, is that Tessa Gray (played by Kiersten Brada) narrates all throughout the clip. Yes, she speaks and she tells us bits about what might happen in Clockwork Princess.

It was good; somewhat intense due to the dramatic music and all that, but not as great as I expected it to be. But I did get creeped out with the Tessa's scene by the end of the trailer.

WATCH the trailer HERE!

Some screen caps from the trailer.

BOOK HAUL: January 1, 2013

Happy New Year everyone!!!
So the on the first day of 2013, I visited National Bookstore. And look what I found...

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassndra Clare

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by Joh Green and David Levithan

BOOK BLURB: Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:

The special Collector's First Edition will include a never-before-seen letter from Will to his family In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street--and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move--and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will--the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

***

Date Read: December 14, 2011

I felt like the second book has a totally different feel than the first book. Clockwork Angel was all about secrets and revelations while this was all about finding answers and the truth. I can safely say that this is another magnificent work of Cassandra Clare, giving us whirlwinds of emotions and twisting plots. There were scenes that made me gasp, laugh and scream "OHMYGAAAAWD" and "NOOOOOO!" and there were these moments that really made my stomach clench and broke my heart.

WILLIAM HERONDALE, my favorite character since Clockwork Angel. oh my!!! I have loved him before and I love him even more in Clockwork Prince. This is where the truth is revealed about his life. hmmmm.. I wouldn't want to spoil everything, so I'll end it there.

Anyway, I don't really know how to explain how I felt about this book, but it was definitely a fun roller coaster ride. I really loved it, though I wanted a little bit more action and fighting. Eeeh!!! It's just the way it is. I can't wait for Clockwork Princess. :)


-- I began reading this book the moment I thought that school work and activities won't interfere with what I'm doing. I started Saturday morning and I was so happy that I'll be able to finish it that weekend. Unfortunately, a text message from a my classmate ruined my weekend, saying that we need to finish something for school. So I stopped. :( I continued Tuesday morning and finished it in the evening.

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teepee J