Hello, hello people. I'm SecondOpinion and I'm Fantasty's... well, second opinion. I'll be doing a few book reviews of my own, contribute to reviews by Fantasty, or be covering book reviews for Fantasty.

After much poking and general prodding I have convinced Fantasty to agree to a Thief month. That is to say, we will eventually be doing a month dedicated to novels that have thieves as a focus point. Afterall, who doesn't like a rogue?

I look forward to reviewing and promoting the various books Fatasty and myself will be covering.

Write to you all soon,

Second Opinion

Predictably, the number of hits on my blog were lessened compared to the first two days. These are rough estimates which are not dependent on any statistics. Even with the low quantity of any interactions, I'm still continuing the promised daily posts for today. Without them, my blog credibility may plunge. And when promises are developed then they must be upheld.



Addendum to yesterday's post: Remember the section about the explanation of the dreaded ARC's. Well, I decided to email Orbit books about the possibility of reviewing some of their new releases. With trepidation, I wrote a lengthy explanation that concerned my ability to help promote their titles to a certain market. Once, they see today's very late post for another publisher's book, they may be dissuaded from offering anything. Why does the thought of reading Brent Week's books cause me to act insanely and unpredictably moronic?

Today's Belated Review:"Stormrage," by Richard A. Knaak

Once upon a time, I was emailed a proposition about reviewing a certain "World of Warcraft," title. Based upon my blog's low number of watchers and exposure, I was taken aback that someone would be convinced I would exponentially increase their sale numbers with one of my more bizarre reviews. At the time, I was terribly deluded by the reality that there were hardly any publisher requests or inquiries. Therefore, I blindly accepted their terms and thought I would be wholly enraptured with a World of Warcraft novel.







Two weeks later or earlier, I cannot remember the exacts. I began paging through the novel with apprehension now that my excitement and anticipation about publisher copies have quelled. Since, who before them would ever have the audacity to send "Fantastyfreak," a copy for review. And surprisingly or not surprisingly, I struggled to read the book, mostly on the basis that my interests were far from the realm of World of Warcraft.







Writing skill wise, the writer himself definitely has skills when trying to adapt mythology from a prodigious video game to a readable novel. The novel itself was readable and could be clearly understood by any level of readers who happen also to be WOW fans. Though my interest waned immediately when starting the novel due to being steeped with unfamiliar terms from a video game I have never played. Some of my dedicated readers ask: Does the book pique your interest in the game? Not exactly, I've never had a fondness for MMO's and by result, I can appear to be someone whose relatively close minded about the workings of such games. In actuality, the only RPG game, I would greatly cherish novels from would be the universe of Dragon Age. Within the last two years, Dragon Age was the only exceptional RPG that was able to hold my attention and create in me an undying obsession.







Basically, the book did not hold my attention mostly because of the book's subject matter. Knowing this before accepting the terms of Galley books, I could have averted this disastrously late review. In some ways though, I have learned a lesson and that revolves around thinking every video game related fiction novel contains abysmal writing. Truthfully, this book definitely presents some tactful writing in certain sequences. Though the writing would not be graded as something that is neither fantastic or evocative because it's plainly a novel that provides general entertainment for World of Warcraft Readers. Readers, outside of the World of Warcraft realm, will struggle futilely to understand segments of the story. Various parts will fail to hold their attention only because they have had no previous interests in that particular game. World of Warcraft gamers on the other hand will be delighted to find novels which are skillfully written and provide some more information about their beloved universe.






Essentially, the book itself was meant for World of Warcraft gamers, those who are fervid fans of the series. For everyone else, you might run the chance of enjoying the novel or you might be disinterested in it due to it's World of Warcraft related content.




Note to Publisher: I apologize for this extremely late review. In my defense, I did happen to have excessive amounts of college work during the course of the last few months. Please know, that I am working effortlessly to plan my book reviews better in order to balance novel writing, homework, and book reviewing.



For other publishers, please do not be frightened by the above story in either this post or the earlier post. I am dedicating more time to this blog, during the course of this summer. And for these reasons, reviews will definitely surface this summer since I have a large span of time to include hours to review books.

Book Blogger 101 with the Tootsie Pop Owl: Includes Minimally Discussed Trade Secrets that
THE WORLD MAY NEVER KNOW..
******Disclaimer: Apologies to Tootsie Corp. for unintentional replication of your owl for book blogging purposes. Lately, the owl feels exploited into acting moronic all for the sake of keeping the "tootsie pop" count a secret. Basically, Tootsie Corp. please do not be atypical megalomaniacs by demanding a lawsuit for theft of the bespectacled, gregarious owl for more academic purposes. For those who are unaware, book blogging is aptly defined as an academic activity that powers the mind. Book Blogging does not only serve to help impoverished book bloggers with receiving free books. In some case, the answer would be affirmative. Though,in my individual case, I am a studious, respectable book blogger who wishes to write intelligent book reviews that more than likely deters rather than attract.



By the way, my disclaimers are published in fine print. So, you do not need to feel the developing symptoms of aging.*********



Welcome to Fantastyfreak's Book Blogger 101 With the Trademarked Owl Caricature (Your entertaining, cheating host who dared to bite the lollipop to reach the center thereby invalidating the "Lick Count," results.)




"Welcome Aspiring Book Bloggers! I have been swamped with requests, related to the exact methods of creating a book blog. Few book bloggers divulge these secrets because they are greedy little readers who wish to restrict the ARC's all to themselves.




First off, book blogging serves as a marketing tool and can be a very inexpensive marketing tactic. Sometimes, book blogging can lead to honest, credible marketing as it relies upon members of the target market to convince the masses to read a certain title. Then again, the greatest goal would be convince all members or watchers of a certain blog to read that title. For the book savvy bloggers, filled to the brim with greed, this could result in a procurement of some more ARC's or galleys.



Be forewarned, that humble bloggers are the best breed of bloggers because they could earn trust with their readers. If they were to write reviews that herald a book without mentioning any flaws then the readers may begin to realize they are concerned more with the false belief of earning a better reputation with publishers via unrealistic positive reviews In actuality, publishers seek honest reviewers because they have a higher chance of building trust with readers.



Without the extraneous drivel mentioned above, I'm instructing my fellow book Bloggers to please be respectable, concise, and sociable to bloggers and publishers. Bloggers, void of charisma, transform into the following subject.



Spoiled, Conceited Bloggers bent on procuring ARC's without reviewing them:



The question she screams obnoxiously, in the above image of the worst book blogger, would be the most abhorrent and rude question to ask any publisher. Publishers have the right to not permit you to have Advance Reader Copies (ARC's) of future releases. Who do you think you are, a goddess? Certainly, even a goddess could not win favor easily with a publisher. Because publishers are seeking effective, honest bloggers who will reach a specific market with their reviews.



Being the above blogger will cause publishers to distant themselves from you and to completely ignore your emails. Also, you cannot attain ARC's with the thought of receiving them like Christmas presents. Yes, you must read them thoroughly and provide accurate reviews that reflect your honest feelings.



Please know, that writing inquiries about receiving ARC's is the most torturous, intimidating experience for any aspiring book blogger. With my low number of watchers, commenters, and readers overall, I sometimes struggle with having the self confidence to review the books. To a greater extent, I cannot tap into the needed energy to dare impose upon bloggers to persuade them into sending me ARC's.




Their inaudible thoughts are more than likely: "Excuse me sir, your blog is hardly read and favored by many readers on the Internet. We are handing ARC's to world leaders, monks, nuns, priests, and venerable war heroes. Essentially, your reputation is unheard of and you are "anonymous" in our book.



How do you respond to negative answers or ignorance of emails? Though trite, the greatest piece of advice lies in mustering your strength and persisting even through sighted failure. A person, absent of personal effort, will never obtain more watchers or favor with publishers. Keep reviewing books from your own personal library and pretend you are the only reader of your noticeably lame blog. Many years from now, in retrospect, you will be fortunate to have the writing experience at least.




In my own experience, review books you greatly enjoyed and forward emails to writers about said review. Authors are greatly pleased and amazed by your efforts in raising awareness of their books. I have met many wonderful authors through this blog experience whom never displayed ill favor towards bloggers. Though, your reader tallies may be low or you happen to have a lack of ARC's; the greatest benefit reaped from this is interacting with writers and having substantive conversations with them about their creations. If all my low number of readers were to suddenly vacate my blog or some interested publishers unpredictably drop support for my blog. At the very least, I would be very pleased with my efforts at building a blog and attempting to create a dialogue between the small niche of readers and publishing companies.




Simplistic Answer: Keep Blogging even if the apocalypse intervenes!


Blog writing may appear on the surface to be an ideal introverted activity, free of the traps and schemes of social interaction. Sorry, aspiring, introverted book bloggers; communication is an optimal part of book blog creation. With blog allies or friendships developed with other blog writers, you can earn more watchers by recommending or referencing a friend's blog in your post's




I happen to be great friends with Lexie, from Poisoned Rationality. Compared to me, she writes a myriad of blog reviews that causes my small margin to appear wimpy. Then again, I'm currently in the process of writing an ambitious Dystopian trilogy and working toward my English degree. Luckily, my term ended two weeks ago, granting me a vast number of hours to dedicate myself to blog recreation or remolding. Even then, finding the energy and excitement needed can be frustrating even with these worthwhile blog friendships. Though yesterday, Anne Rice mentioned my blog on her Facebook fan page. While, Cassandra Clare and Mundie Mom's referenced mine in their Twitter posts.




How did I achieve these references? Communication. Blog communication relies not only on dedicated work on good blog posts. No, in order to reach the largest number of readers without dependence upon financed advertising involves communicating with authors. I mentioned this earlier in the post but communication with authors is the greatest tool in bringing your blog into focus. I'm thankful daily for the respectable authors who raise awareness of my blog. Because of them, I can find the energy needed to plow through insecurities and anxiety to write book reviews.



To surmise the above paragraphs: Liberate yourself from your oath of silence and speak freely to authors, blog readers, and other book bloggers. Book Blogging is a concerted effort between you, readers, publishers, and authors to heighten people's awareness of the quality entertainment contained in books.



Book readers seldom see advertisements of books through television therefore the Internet is utilized to advertise a particular book. Book readers are loquacious about their books. And when they greatly admire a certain work, they will never cease talk about it with others. They want people to share their love for a work and to have a dialogue about their differing experiences of reading that book.



Look at Goodreads for example, those readers are unable to silence themselves. And sometimes, their book reviews become bloated in a very positive way.


Final Result: All Book Bloggers go to Heaven!

Cue in another Gregorian choir, a dancing Sharon den Adel (singing Ice Queen), and pyrotechs. Because Book Expo America is certifiably the sum of every single bibliophile's reverie. There, you are able to physically take ARC's without frustrating inquiries and book blog tours. Though, you still must review them in order to promote your blog's status. Since, a reason these publishers are displaying their books to members of the publishing world is part of their goal to increase dialogue about certain titles.




As many of you know, I'll be attending Book Expo America next week and I have been awaiting it with bated breath. Honestly, I'm filled with uncontrollable excitement. While, I am intensely anxious about scheduling autograph booths, properly deciphering the jargon of Book Expo America's website, and making sure I'm able to get certain ARC's before they become unavailable.



You'll hear of my clumsy falls, short termed tragedies, treasured moments, and other sentimental Book Expo America occurrences next week. Now, you have to read the diatribe about Book Expo America. Book Expo America does not excuse a dissension into laziness, post Book Expo America. In actuality, Book Expo America marks your official inception into the world of book blogging. By book review standards, that usually calls for a larger amount of ARC's, new challenges, a greater demand to increase blog traffic, and more reoccurring migraines.




Those will be my new challenges, along with the added challenge of communicating with more publishers and convincing them my blog has the opportunity to grow in size and readership. If they were to offer me some of their titles and I would accept their terms to review the book honestly.

For those of you who dared to scroll down past some very imperative book blogging information, I have decided to withhold most of that information from you in this section. Instead you will be faced with the above formidable foe. This foe cannot be reasoned with sarcasm,irony,and witticism:the assets of a well trained bibliophile .




I'll impart only some information in here those reasons because you are the particular readers that are far too occupied with other things to read this pandering post. But, you should inform yourself of the above disclaimer because I am not intentionally trying to unlawfully use the Tootsie Roll Owl or any of the above pictures.



You are the sort of readers,deserving of these easily decipherable instructions on Book Blogging.
Here they are for both the undeserving paragraph skippers and deserving readers.



1)Construct a blog on either Wordpress or Blogger! Attractive colors and layout are pivotal when trying to draw your first readers.


2)Begin reviewing your own books using your own recognizable style of writing reviews. For me, verbose and long winded reviews are my flavor. Concise reviews might be your strength.


3) Email writers and make your dedication known by displaying your blog review to them. Do that by including your blog's link, with the posted review, within your email to the author. Involve some jokes and candor with the writers in order to convince them you are a human, not an android.


4) Write the dreaded inquiries about receiving review copies from publishers! Try to be professional as possible or apologize frequently about imposing on them for ARC's. In my case, I'm always apologizing because I feel I am infringing on them by asking them.


5) Ideal Case!!! Publishers decide to see your blog and will send you emails about potentially reviewing their works. Please accept only if you are definitely going to review their intended work. Earlier this year, I received an email about reviewing a World of Warcraft book. I tried in vain to read it and truly did not enjoy it. Inexplicably, the book became forgotten since I never received notice about certain dates to review it. After five months of not reviewing the book, I'll be providing a sarcastic review instead tomorrow. While apologizing to the publishers subtly about writing belated reviews. The World of Warcraft publishers have me blacklisted as "Insolent Book Reviewer." My explanation lies with having my mind strained with thoughts of college assignments, other book reviews, and novel work. Gallery Books, I offer my apologies and please enjoy tomorrow's review!!



Lesson Learned: Do not let your desperate lack of ARC's or publishers notice delude you into thinking you would enjoy a "World of Warcraft," book. When your more rational mind knows that you would either neglect to review it or never read it. In terms of the latter, I did happen to struggle through it though I never reviewed it. Again, tomorrow should be penance for my book blogging vice of never reviewing it. By the way, sharing one's faults presents yourself as a truly fallible book blogger whose trying to help other bloggers all the while.




6)In all your reviews, be completely honest about your feelings about the book. But, also try to convey a professional persona when wording your negative feelings. Facebook drivel is not permitted in book reviews and littering your reviews with noxious obscenities leads to a poor reputation. Basically you'll be rendered Case Subject (1): Spoiled, Conceited Bloggers bent on procuring ARC's without reviewing them or the Worst Blogger.


7: Use sites such as Netgalley to attain ARC's without confronting the door's of publishers. Through them, you are able to receive ARC's virtually without need of postage or those bothersome inquiries. Consequently, you have to squint and attempt the read the books on your laptop. Personally, I prefer bound books. But in order to raise my reputation, I've forced myself to read on the laptop.



8:Important Tip: Enjoy your blogging experience, the interaction with various people, and continue to convince your parents that blogging is a nutritional part of this complete life! Because a reading absent life leads to being uncultured, ignorant, and illiterate. Those are extreme case scenarios since people have a range of talents that are not based on book reading. But, reading truly does upon an incorporeal world to you that formerly did not exist. Feel free to explore it and divest yourself of your inhibitions. Share your experiences with other readers and help in the efforts of keeping books alive either bound or kindled aka. Amazon kindled.




Questions:If you have any further questions about the blogging experience, direct your questions to the comment box. Please comment and know that I will not unleash the "Formidable Foe," on you. Also, you can always email me at narniafanatic(at)gmail(dot) com.

Today's review will regain my blog's former normalcy with regards to the format of the review. Being as Anne Rice's novels are packed with complex metaphors, symbolism, and philosophical questions. Trying to describe this complexity in an overcomplicated format would not serve the novel in review justice.

Memnoch the Devil

Written in the first person perspective of the wily, impulsive Lestat; Memnoch the Devil begins already with the promise of a richly layered account of heaven and hell. Countless Amazon reviews have expressed negative comments about Memnoch the Devil for the last decade. These reviews are to be expected, considering the inherent controversial nature of any theological study. Even more troublesome to some readers is the fact this theological narrative is written by a vampire. Personally, I fully respect Anne Rice for her choice of Lestat as the witness to the metaphysical because his scrutiny of new discoveries partially reflects our subconscious denial of sights beyond explanation.
The novel itself begins with the usual appearance of Lestat, stalking potential vampire prey. Though this particular suspect has a criminal profile and his story constructs the base for the story to build upon. Anne Rice wisely utilizes this familiar story to comfortably ease us into the later disoriented account of the metaphysical. In varying ways, this beginning story magnifies Lestat's increasing feelings of remorse and guilt over the murder of these victims. On one hand, he knows fully of the beneficial effects of satiating his blood lust. It works to enliven him and help him to gain more lucidity in thought. In another way though he knows he could exist without this blood and tolerate the unceasing pangs of his blood thirst.
Without revealing too many details surrounding the novel, Lestat soon ventures into the realms of heaven and hell. This entire journey involves being guided by Satan himself. Using her meticulously written prose, we are fully immersed in Lestat's journey of doubts, questions, wonderment, and feelings of sympathy towards highly abhorrent figures such as Satan. Though, Anne Rice expertly writes Satan as a fully realized character with many dimensions. Instead of the demonic caricature, we are offered a character to whom we can easily sympathize with or distrust completely. Additionally, Anne Rice never coaches or instructs us on who we should ultimately ally with. Her reasons for this lies with the fact we are only seeing Lestat's analysis of the given situation. Through his views, we can understand the overwhelming amount of contradictions and views involved with the affairs of God and Satan.
In my view, the reason this novel deserves more academic attention because of the fresh perspective of theology offered in this book. Anne Rice wrote a novel that's far too complicated to fully interpret and understand. Even when I'm writing this review, I feel completely overtaxed with the task of simplifying the wealth of information contained in this novel. With her visuals and accessible writing, this potentially boring theological study becomes very fascinating and challenging. After reading this novel, I've been poring over various religious texts and other documents to try and understand the origins behind some of these very innovative and unconventional ideas behind God's nature.
Ultimately though, I feel some kinship with Lestat in the submission that we cannot understand every shred of information. In the end, we must accept our shortcomings and limitations as humans in terms of understanding the breadth of God's knowledge. The search for knowledge reflects the deep longing for all humans for their sufferings to be redeemed. Without that search or need for transcendence, there would be no force impelling us to improve us fallen selves or to live beyond our bodies. Accepting these facts helps transform the superficial believer into someone whom sees beyond mortal limits. Without arrogance in response to the metaphysical, we are convinced to love others and to promote their personal evolution. Too often, books with Christianity are simplified and bowdlerized thereby distorting God's message into something that offers temporal satiation. Except faith without the unceasing need for knowledge, transformation, and edification becomes feigned faith. How can we search for the exit from Plato's cave without the overwhelming need for the promised salvation that awaits outside? Good series, like the Vampire Chronicles, effectively affirm this search and confirm our inability to fully understand God's truths on this physical plane.

Thank you, Anne Rice for continuing to be write bravely stories that are bound to misunderstood and construed by the differing perspectives of people!! Your novels are wonderful books that are transformative and emotive. With your Jesus books, I have come to a greater understanding of Christianity that was formerly denied to me. I implore you to keep writing even when the scathing words of many confused individuals dissuade you from it. In the world of the inquisitive and curious, you are greatly appreciated!


For any one interested in exploring Anne Rice's literary world, check out her site. On there, she's posted an essay that agrees with my views regarding the Christian subtext of her work. Also, for any Facebook members, she openly discusses many thought provoking subjects in an honest fashion on her Facebook fan page. She happens to be one of the few genuine individuals whose thought patterns do not conform to any ideas from the dominant culture. As evidenced in her writing, she's an autonomous thinker.

"As promised by readers, a battalion of Daleks will be unleashed to reap harm upon "Fantastyfreak," for neglecting his blog duties. For far too long, he has been too occupied with developing a dystopian trilogy of books and completing final tasks for his Spring semester at college. Now, he has finally returned after an inordinate amount of time spent with college and novel work. Finally, his semester has finished and writer block has effectively stalled his writing efforts. Presently, he will be returning to his assigned duties at his small laptop with a disorganized pile of books that are required to be read and reviewed perfectly. Be prepared for a summer filled with a large quantity of blog reviews."


***Important Week Theme Information****
Jokes aside, Book Expo America occurs in less than a week from this day. According to my plans, I'll be there for one lone day, on neither Tuesday or Thursday, therefore I am tragically missing my chance to procure certain ARC's such as "Clockwork Angel." Then again, I have an opportunity to see both Maria V. Snyder and Richelle Mead again.

On Thursday of next week, I'll be offering accurate information as to the ARC's I successfully received and those I missed my chance of attaining. And to fully engage my blog reader's in my Book Expo America journey, I'm planning to host a special "Countdown to Book Expo America Week," beginning today with the introduction of the week long event. Followed after these instructions, the first review for the day will be revealed. In summary, reviews will appear every single day, starting today. Referencing my average tally for reviews which is either three or four a month, these seven reviews shall effectively compensate for my lack of a solid appearance in nearly a month.

*****Contest Information********



I apologize for the unintentional marginalization of my blog readers by entitling this, "The Blog Servant Contest." But this contest requires the adeptness of a good servant because the task requires visiting Book Expo America's site and drafting a schedule for me that involves receiving the most number of ARC's on Wednesday, May26,2010 only. Since my plans involve visting Book Expo America for only one day due to financial limitations. Unlike past corrupt rulers who imprison their servants, I am rewarding them for their contribution to this blog and their effective tooling of an awesome single day itinerary

Here are the guidelines though: Maria V. Snyder and Richelle Mead are to be included in the schedule in some form. And also omit the time block between 1-2pm. because I need sustenance then. Basically the schedule is 8am.-8pm., with no 1-2pm. The 1-2pm. block was magically obliterated by David Tennants's Doctor Who. Whoops!! A hole in the time continuum was created. Now more paradoxes shall appear!


Book Expo America's website can be utilized to craft the flawless schedule along with various author blogs or other book bloggers. Lexie's site for example contains a ton of information about the authors who are slated to appear with their respective ARC's. Wherever the information originates from, the most important factor to this contest lies with the finished schedule.

Once you're done with your schedule, Marauder's Map, map of Middle Earth, forward it to me at narniafanatic (at) gmail (dot) come before Monday, May 24th. All entries after Monday will be dismissed unless you're the only contest entry.





******THE PRIZE!!!!!!!!*******



Unlike other blog contests where books are sent, I'm offering you the chance to be the blogger for one day. Actually, I'm only giving you the chance to be the questioner for a future author interview. Instead of my loquacious self draining the author, you'll take up the megaphone and ask any desirable questions to an author of my choosing. None of the questions will be censored unless terrorists plans are mentioned or some terribly unholy sentence is created. Basically, do not ask the author if he has divine powers or foresight?


??????Why am I having this contest????? Because it adhere' to my unconventional shaping of ideas and greatly differs from the usual method of blog contests. While the use of "servants," may be against blogger status quo. You have to admit, connotations aside, that Blog Servants greatly fits with the goal of unorthodox blogging. Odd blogs are the revolutionary form of blogging. Even if the overuse of LOL Cat imagery is punishable by the overlords of the blog sphere. Please have mercy on me!! I'm only a blogger, bereft of a certain tally of blog watchers.

Review:



Finally, I will seague into my review of the "Mortal Instrutments Trilogy," written by the amusing, creative, and erudite Cassandra Clare. The Mortal Instrument Trilogy was originally a trilogy of books I happened to avoid during my senior year of high school. Knowledge of this series was received through trustworthy readers who have enthusiastically praised this books for it's colorful cast of characters, creative world, and insanely engaging plot. In result, I further guarded myself from the book because of the dreaded front cover of the perfected front torso. Inevitably, comparisons were drawn between "City of Bone's," cover and the countless covers of perspiring bare torso's shelved in the "Romance section." A phobia developed out of this and eventually became "Bare Torso Book Phobia." Tragically, the reviews of many readers could not eradicate the resilient force of this phobia.

After two years though this phobia was completely wiped because the number of glowing reviews stood in opposition to the myths. The myth happened to be the book series itself was an archetypal Harlequin fantasy series with predictable happens and lots of perspiring,unclothed bodies. Predictably, curiosity overtook and the first volume, second volume, third volume were consequently checked out from the library in late 2009. Opening the book was a frightening experience which caused my heart rate to exhilarate and my mind to damper my excitement because the book may fit my preconceived ideas.

Fortunately, after fifty pages or so the book altogether destroyed my myths. In honesty, I forgot about these fallacious myths and become completely hooked to the story contained in Book one. After less than a week, I finished all three volumes at an unprecedented pace, comparable only to the seven Harry Potter books. Shockingly, Cassandra Clare's story structure was innovative and also showed uncontested evidence that her series was carefully outlined and structured. More importantly, her elaborate universe involved characters who were even more fascinating than the coexisting worlds of her fantastical beings and human beings. All the characters though had the same shades of human emotions that causes readers to effectively take interest in their external and internal struggles.

Cassandra Clare's the epitome of highly entertaining novels because she's deft with writing novels that overreach genre boundaries. Nearly every described quality of a good novel can be found within her novels. In all, she creates a fanciful story template that allows readers to imprint their full selves into the characters. When we experience empathy and relation with a story's characters, the novel's plot and suspense only increase one's firmly established enjoyment of a story. Mind you, there were a few minor issues with the third novel where certain dialogue scenes between characters were either too excessive or too minimal. Overall though the story is intelligently written and begs to be read by any individual. The only prerequisite for reading this book is having the potential to be entertained. Since that applies to everyone, I can safely recommend this book to any mortals with souls. Though vampires would surely enjoy it since they have the same brain functions as us.