The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones/Shadowhunters

Despite what critics and other reviewers have said over the years, I love The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. Today it was announced that the spin off Freeform series, Shadowhunters, has been renewed for season 2. I was excited to share my love, respect and excitement for the series and characters. 

I have to say that out of the three: book, movie and tv show, the movie starring Lily Collins is my favorite. The book is amazing. And, the tv show has been equally impressive. But, the movie was my first chance to see the world come to life. The places and people I had imagined in my head mirrored what was shown in the movie and I loved that it was exactly as I had pictured Clary, the Shadowhunters and the Downworld to be. 

Cassandra Clare has created such a fun, enticing, and interesting world full of demons, vampires and other creatures alternating realms and fighting the battles of good verses evil. 

If you've read my previous posts, you know I have a love and fascination with vampires. So, of course, I was drawn to this series. I love that they have unique personalities and aren't just blood-thirsty half dead beings running around. A lot of people argued that the storyline is bland, forgettable or boring but I think the opposite. It's a fresh, new and modern take on mythological characters that have been in stories for centuries. It is geared for young adults and I think captures the voice of today's generation while incorporating the beloved aspects of fantasy and the supernatural. 

I'm grateful for the tv series because it is keeping this great novel/series alive and I feel more people are getting to see how amazing it is. Of course the novel, movie and tv show all portray things a little differently but the important aspects remain true. 

If you haven't taken the time to read and watch each of these, I highly encourage you to ignore the reviews and take a chance on this story. I'm so grateful I took the time to check it out, it is one of my favorite storylines of all time. I'm excited that a new installment was just released in the Shadowhunter Chronicles entitled The Dark Artifices: Lady Midnight and look forward to picking up a copy. By the way, how cool is Cassandra Clare's website? I love it. 

www.cassandraclare.com

Happy reading (& watching)! 

Breanna 

(Photos were taken off of the official websites, I did not create these.) 

Emily Giffin

Occasionally you come across an author, who no matter what they write, you know you'll love what ever they publish. Currently, for me, that author is Emily Giffin. I first heard about her when the movie Something Borrowed starring Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin came out in 2011. I went out and got the book in anticipation for the movie and fell in love with Giffin's diction, storytelling, and overall vision of love and life. Her characters are so relatable. Whether you're single, married or in love with your best friend's guy-- she provides storylines that are addictive to read. That is why for this Valentine's Day weekend I want to recommend any and all books written by Giffin. 

I currently own and have read four of her books: Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Heart Of The Matter and Where We Belong. I thoroughly enjoyed all of them and would recommend them for anyone looking for something light to read. I laughed, I cried, I reflected and I related. Each of the books offered something different, a new experience, and a great one at that. They are not too long, each ranging about 350-400 pages. These books are perfect for traveling, bus rides, while on vacation, or at home with a tall glass of wine.

Her latest book published was The One & Only, which came out in 2014. I haven't read it yet myself but know others have wonderful things to say about it. Giffin also has a new book, First Comes Love, available for preorder and it releases June  28. I am looking forward to what's in store and will let you know my thoughts when it becomes available later this year! 

Happy reading! 

And, to all you love birds out there, Happy Valentine's Day! 

Breanna