Mundie Moms

Monday, July 31, 2017

Cassie Clare Shares Exclusive Sneak Peak of the 10th Anniversary of COB / Part 2 #Shadowhunters #CityOfBones10


Last week I shared part of the exclusive sneak peak Cassandra Clare shared in her newsletter (here), and this week I'm sharing the rest of that that exclusive, which features Alec's "official clave file". Per Cassie's email, check it out below:


Exclusive Sneak Peek


We’re thrilled to share a sneak peek at exclusive content that will appear in the 10th Anniversary Edition of City of Bonesout November 7th!

This special edition will feature new portraits of Clary, Jace, Alec, Isabelle, Magnus, and Simon, beautifully rendered by Cassandra Jean. It will also include Inquisitor Herondale’s files on many prominent characters, written in between the events of City of Bones and City of Ashes.
 
Here’s a look at Alec’s portrait:





Official Clave File—DO NOT REMOVE FROM OFFICE OF THE INQUISITOR

Updated: September 2007

Name: Alexander Gideon Lightwood


Birth date: September 12, 1989


Scars/physical characteristics: Black hair, blue eyes. Voyance rune on right hand, parabatai rune on right shoulder.


Points of interest: Alexander Lightwood grew up in the New York Institute, the child of exiled former Circle members Robert and Maryse Lightwood. Despite his isolation, Alexander seems to have grown into a loyal Shadowhunter, with a strong sense of duty to the Covenant.


Strengths: Sensible, obedient, skilled with bow.


Weaknesses: Alexander is a Lightwood. They tend to be easily led. This is evidenced by the fact that Alexander has been coerced into forming the parabatai bond with Jonathan Morgenstern, who is almost certainly an agent of Valentine. This bond took place against my advice, as I was overruled by Brother Zachariah.


Significant relationships: Maryse Lightwood, mother. Robert Lightwood, father. Isabelle Lightwood, sister. Maxwell Lightwood, brother. Jonathan Morgenstern, parabatai and foster brother. Hodge Starkweather, former tutor.


Recommended actions: Alexander is the only member of the Lightwood family who is truly loyal to the Clave. If he is ever freed from his bond with Jonathan, he should be recommended for promotion.



** ** ** ** ** 

I can not wait to get my hands on this book. I love the cover to it as well. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

By: Cassandra Clare
Published by: Margaret McElderry Books 
To Be Released on: November 7th, 2017
Pre-Order from: Amazon | any of your favorite book retailers 

Celebrate the tenth anniversary of Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones with this gorgeous new edition, complete with special content and exclusive color illustrations.

The tenth anniversary of Cassandra Clare’s phenomenal City of Bones demands a luxe new edition. The pride of any fan’s collection, City of Bones now has new cover art, gilded edges, over thirty interior illustrations, and six new full-page color portraits of everyone’s favorite characters! This beautifully crafted collector’s item also includes four bonus stories that have previously only appeared in limited distribution, and—best of all—a new piece written by Cassandra Clare. A perfect gift for the Shadowhunter fan in your life.

This is the book where Clary Fray first discovered the Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of warriors dedicated to driving demons out of our world and back to their own. The book where she first met Jace Wayland, the best Shadowhunter of his generation. The book that started it all.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Shadowhunters TV Series, S2E17; A DARK REFLECTION / Review #shadowhunters

All images used can be found on Freeform's Shadowhunter' website.
We are at episode 17, can you believe it, Mundie Moms? It seems like yesterday that Season 2 started, and we were all so full of hope. Ah, but we've been through so much, haven't we? Don't worry, there is more in store in this week's episode.

EMM'S REVIEW

We start with Clary dreaming, sleeping with her door open. Did she forget all those other people who are walking around the institute. Although if it makes a half naked Jace run into the room, then I'd probably leave the door open. And look there is stuff missing from the the JC box, that's what happens when you leave the door open.

Image found here.

In this episode we definitely saw that Jonathan wants to play happy families with Daddy and Clary again. Although don't think burning your baby things that your mom kept is going to help Clary love you more.

I need to interrupt this review with a statement -Clary has too much lip gloss on. I miss book Clary so much.

Image found here.
Back to the review and we see a bit of Lost Souls here getting an iron sister to help with the sword. I'm ok with this. I also didn't miss the book shop reference. Just the wrong friend of Jocelyn who owns it, maybe Luke has visited and hung out there. I like picture Luke, Jocelyn and Elliot sitting there in the book shop, reading & sipping tea. While I'm dreaming I wish Magnus could magic a romantic dinner for me while I'm at work too. Not sure what my tow truck drivers would think if they came in to see Magnus & I sitting in the office eating lobster. I digress...


Image found on Freeform's Shadowhunters website.

So Elliot decided to die rather than give away the location of the Mortal Mirror. I was liking book store owner Elliot. Now Dot has the protection of the mirror passed to her. Jocelyn had everyone wrapped up in this didn't she. Poor Dot has already helped so much.

Jonathan comes back on the scene as good guy Sebastian. He see the maps that Dot is decoding so of course he will go find mirror. But don't tell me it's a real mirror? Maybe it's a pond? Or just a clue?

Clary shows us she still loves her brother talking to Sebastian/Jon. But ahh he kisses Clary, he is so creepy. It's a small nod to City of Glass though so I'm ok. And he steels hair ties too. Is that to track or to pet? Creepy brother.

The side story of this episode, there is always a side story, is Maia and Simon. So they start the episode in the friend zone but after some match making by Izzy they end up giving the date thing a go at the end. Everyone say ahhhhhh


Image found on Freeform's Shadowhunters website.

Ok the hair tie is to track Clary, and the demon big brother makes an appearance. oh he is a bit creepy isn't he. But it's ok they get the mirror and escape safely. But poor Dot, left behind again

Back to the tracking everyone seems to use it just to find where their lost phone is, like Shadowhunter find my phone? Max has tracked Jonathan with the remaining hair in the box so now Max knows who Jonathan is!!! Oh my heart we know this doesn't end well.

Looking like it's all starting to come to a head. Can anyone see a series ending coming soon?


SOPHIE'S REVIEW

Questions that kept popping up in my head (I'm running with the assumption that you watched this week's episode fully caffeinated like me, so the details and the whys just JUMPED out).

Episode 17 By the Numbers
Caffeine units consumed by reviewer: 1 iced, vente, extra shot, almond milk latte
Questions Starting with Why: 4
ShirtlessJace Moments Noted: 1
Introduction of Non-Canon Characters Who Will Be Killed Immediately: 1
Appearances of Bloodclot Jonathan: 2 or 3, I honestly stopped counting, but focused on his clot-like appearance. It's neither menacing or chilling; it's just weird.
Dinners Cooked by Characters (for no reason at all): 1


Image found on Freeform's Shadowhunters' website.
A Breakdown of the Whys

  • Why is Max, who is -- WHAT -- 11 year's old, going on a mission? WHYYYYYYYY? We all know the reason, and I won't spoil it, but for us bookworms, it's what happened in City of Glass.
  • Why is Jace shirtless again? Dominic Sherwood is a model. Dude works out. I get it. But, in every, single episode?!?
  • Who the H is Elliott and why do we care? The introduction of him as a warlock, who is the keeper of the Mortal Mirror, is unnecessary. Wasn't the Mirror explained well enough in the books? Or is it because that book mirror was used as another plot device that was different from the books that didn't need to be different...and...and...I've fallen down the plot rabbit hole! I honestly think that the writers/directors/producers) didn't read the books at all. Even if they scanned Shadowhunters wiki page, they might have gotten a better feel for things that are better explained in the books.
    • Don't worry, the keeper of the Mortal Mirror's location has a mark on his arm (that's not a   rune, for those of you keeping track of tattoo-like marks), and the mark is passed to another warlock if they die. For the sake of compete convenience, it's Dot. 
  • Why does Jonathan look like a blood clot?
Image found on Freeform's Shadowhunters' website

I'm sure you know the drill by now. With each episode, I shake my head more and more and let out a series of whispered "why"s. This will end soon, right?

- - - -

Each week, I ask you the same thing -- are you still watching MMs? We did get to see the yucky Clary-Jonathan/Sebastian kiss (well, almost) moment, so there's that, I suppose. But, so many more fan favorite moments are missed. The show's plot is all over the place and has a feeling of convenience in its episodical resolution. Are you feeling the same kinds of things? Or have you been able to approach it as a new entity?



Friday, July 28, 2017

Happy (belated) Birthday @CassieClare!


I want to wish this fantastic lady a very Happy (belated) Birthday! I absolutely love and adore her. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CASSIE!! 

Picture: This is one of my favorite pictures w/ Cassie. It's from her Lady Midnight singing in NYC this past November w/ Alberto (aka Shadowhunters TV Simon). This signing and entire trip was such a blast. 

Thursday, July 27, 2017

BENEATH THE HAUNTING SEA by Joanna Ruth Meyer / Cover Reveal & Excerpt #BeneathTheHauntingSea

There's a new YA imprint, who's debut author has a book coming out next year. Today I'm thrilled to share both the cover and an excerpt, for BENEATH THE HAUNTING SEA by Joanna Meyer. Ideal for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J. Maas and Mary Pearson's, this debut will be released in January of 2018. Check out this cover!


I love the underwater theme on this cover. Especially the little details, like the mermaid tail on the a in Sea. I'm looking forward to reading this book when it's out. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

By: Joanna Ruth Meyer
Published by: Page Street
To Be Released on: January 9th, 2018
Add it to Goodreads

Can’t You Hear It, Talia? 
Can’t You Hear the Waves Singing? 

Sixteen-year-old Talia was born to a life of certainty and luxury, destined to become Empress of half the world. But when an ambitious rival seizes power, she and her mother are banished to a nowhere province on the far edge of the Northern Sea. 

It is here, in the drafty halls of Ruen-Dahr, that Talia discovers family secrets, a melancholy boy who suffers from troubling visions of her future, and a mysterious jar of starlight. On these shores, the eerie melody of the sea is stronger than ever, unearthing long-buried tales of the Goddess Rahn. The more dark truths that she exposes about the gods’ history—and her own—the more the waves call to her, and it may be her destiny to answer. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


JOANNA RUTH MEYER lives with her dear husband and son in Arizona, where it never rains (or at least not often enough for her!). When she’s not writing, she can be found teaching piano lessons, drinking copious amounts of tea, reading thick books, and dreaming of winter. Visit her at joannaruthmeyer.com, and follow her on Twitter @gamwyn.

READ AN EXCERPT
Chapter Six

Talia was fast asleep in the cabin belowdecks when the storm came. She started awake to the violent tilting of the floor beneath her and waves slamming against the sides of the ship, so hard she thought it might break apart. She climbed out of bed to look through the porthole, but the ship jerked her backwards and sideways, throwing her in a heap against her mother’s bunk. Somehow, her mother slept on.
She fought her way to her feet again, grabbing the edge of the porthole and digging her fingers into the wood around it. She peered through the glass.
The black sea leapt at the ship, clawing to get in. A flash of light exploded over the water, followed by a near-deafening crack of thunder. The vessel seemed to shake—the world seemed to shake.
She couldn’t help but think of her mother’s gods, and the stories she used to tell about them: Tuer of the mountain and Raiva of the trees. Mahl and Ahdairon, Lord and Lady of the air. Uerc of the beasts and Huen of the earth. Caida of the stars and Hald of the rivers. Aigir of the sea.
Watching the storm through the porthole, she could almost believe the stories were true. She was struck by her own helplessness, caught in the middle of the vast ocean at the mercy of the waves, or maybe even the gods.
Another flash of lightning, another crrrrrrraaaack of thunder. A wave hit the ship so hard it tipped sideways, throwing Talia against the door. Her bare foot caught on something sharp and she hissed in pain. The next moment she was tossed back towards the porthole. She touched it with one hand, and the icy coldness of the glass shot through her.
And then she saw something out there in the storm: a huge shape gleaming in the rain. Her thoughts tangled with images of sea monsters or gods come suddenly to life. She and her mother could die tonight. Drown in the black sea amidst the splintered remains of the ship.
Lightning slashed across the sky, illuminating the world for an instant, and there it was: a whale, nearly the size of the ship, swimming beside them in the storm. She stared, transfixed. Thunder crashed overhead, and once more the ship lurched crazily, tipping her away from the porthole.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon / Book Review #WhenDimpleMetRishi



By: Sandhya Menon
Published by: Simon Pulse
Released on: May 30th, 2017
Purchase from: Simon & Schuster | Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4.5 stars - I Really Enjoyed It
A copy was provided by Simon Pulse, in exchange for my honest review 

Dimple Shah has it all figured out. With graduation behind her, she’s more than ready for a break from her family, from Mamma’s inexplicable obsession with her finding the “Ideal Indian Husband.” Ugh. Dimple knows they must respect her principles on some level, though. If they truly believed she needed a husband right now, they wouldn’t have paid for her to attend a summer program for aspiring web developers…right?

Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program as him—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board. Because as silly as it sounds to most people in his life, Rishi wants to be arranged, believes in the power of tradition, stability, and being a part of something much bigger than himself.

The Shahs and Patels didn’t mean to start turning the wheels on this “suggested arrangement” so early in their children’s lives, but when they noticed them both gravitate toward the same summer program, they figured, Why not?

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.


A hilarious, heartwarming read I easily fell in love with. Menon's debut is just what I needed. This book is utterly delightful and downright charming. I laughed, cried, and felt like I met two unforgettable characters whom I could't get enough.  

This book reads like one of those hilarious romantic comedy movies you can't enough. There's mishap, characters who have the perfect kind of chemistry, comedy, romance, rich culture and deep family traditions. In the midst of all this, are two characters who despite differences in how they approach it, fall head over heels in love, and have an epic love story to share for generations. 

Dimple and Rishi just might be my new favorite contemporary couple. There two provided so many laughs through out their story. I admired both characters in their own ways. Dimple is the one who wants to break tradition, and do things her own way, while still respecting her parents. She wants to pave her own path, where Rishi is a hopeless romantic through and through, and loves following tradition. They prove that yes, opposites do attract and their attract, even if one of them doesn't want to admit it. 

I couldn't myself, I had to read this book in one sitting, because I was so wrapped up into Rishi and Dimple's story. From their disastrous first meeting, to  their getting to know each other, figuring out their own futures, and falling in love, I cheered these two on. They're both such enduring characters I couldn't help but love. They both have their flaws, yet together they brought out the best in each other. I respected their culture and the roll it plays in their decision making. I loved their diversity, their learning to work through their own hopes, and fears, while learning to trust, and eventually, fall helpless in love with each other. 

This book deserves all the praise it's been getting. When Dimple Met Rishi is another fanatic debut I am adding to my favorites shelf. Menon is an author I'll be adding to my go to author list. If this is her debut, I can hardly wait to read her next book. I really enjoyed it.

TOWER OF DAWN by Sarah J. Maas / Waiting on Wednesday #TowerOfDawn



By: Sarah J. Maas
Published by: Bloomsbury
To Be Released on: September 5th, 2017
Series: Throne of Glass #6
Pre-Order from: Bloomsbury | Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

In the next installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, follow Chaol on his sweeping journey to a distant empire.

Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.

His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica—the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.

But what they discover in Antica will change them both—and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.


I love this series, and can not wait to read Chaol's story. I'm anxiously awaiting this book's release. Cover wise, I love this cover. I'm torn, because while I wish Chaol was on the cover, I also like not seeing who he is. I'm not a huge fan of seeing characters on covers of books, because than that's the image of the character I have in my head, and more often than not, the cover characters do not match the characters in the story. Plus, look at the shield. That seems fitting for Chaol. Is this book on your TBR list? What book are you waiting to get your hands on? 

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

LUCKY IN LOVE by Kasie West / Book Review



By: Kasie West
Published by: Point
Released on: July 25th, 2017 - TODAY
Purchase from:
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 3.5 Stars - It's A Great Summer Romance
Purchase from:
Add it to Goodreads
Thank you to Point/Scholastic for providing me with a copy of this book, exchange for my honest review

In this new contemporary from YA star Kasie West, a girl who wins the lottery learns that money can cause more problems than it solves, especially when love comes into the picture.

Maddie doesn't believe in luck. She's all about hard work and planning ahead. But one night, on a whim, she buys a lottery ticket. And then, to her astonishment --

She wins!

In a flash, Maddie's life is unrecognizable. No more stressing about college scholarships. Suddenly, she's talking about renting a yacht. And being in the spotlight at school is fun... until rumors start flying, and random people ask her for loans. Now, Maddie isn't sure who she can trust.

Except for Seth Nguyen, her funny, charming coworker at the local zoo. Seth doesn't seem aware of Maddie's big news. And, for some reason, she doesn't want to tell him. But what will happen if he learns her secret?

With tons of humor and heart, Kasie West delivers a million-dollar tale of winning, losing, and falling in love.


A sweet, summer romance. Lucky In Love was the perfect poolside read. It's a fast paced, enjoyable, read in one sitting kind of book. With romance, friendship, and personal growth from it's main character, Kasie West proves once again why she's one of my favorite go to contemporary readers. 


West's romances are some of my favorites in YA. Many of hers are the friends to love interested kind. This book was no different. I really enjoyed Seth and Maddie's friendship, their flirty, and their timidness of finally crossing that line to something more. The way their romance was writing was realistic, and made complete sense. Once they both realize the feelings they have for each other are mutual, they don't hesitant. 

Seth himself is someone I liked getting to know. He does a great job at being supportive to Maddie. He's the voice of reason when she needs, the support she needs, the love she needs, and always the friend who will be there no matter what. I also liked that West added her diversity element through Seth's Asian culture. Diversity is something that's so important to have in stories, and I liked that Seth gives readers a glimpse into what he deals with both within his community and at home. 

I liked Maddie, and the character she was, and who she became. I understood her need to excel at school, though I was never that driven in school, and completely understood her wanting to take care of her family. Her family has fallen on some hard times, and she wants to take care of them. Maddie is a tad bit naive for her own good when it comes to her money. Those close to her warned countless times to be careful when it came to her money. It was hard to not get irritated with her and some of the choices she's makes. I also wished she would have stood up for herself to those who betrayed her, a bit more than she did. I'll admit, I'm pretty sure I would have made similar mistakes, because you want to believe at that age, that everyone has your best interest at heart. However, what she experiences, and the choices she makes, end up making her a strong character. 

LUCKY IN LOVE has all the things I enjoy about a Kasie West book. Fun characters, humor, romance, challenges, as well as family and friendships. It's fluffy, sweet romance make for the perfect summer time read (or any time of the year read). If you're looking for a book to grab and read poolside, or to take to the beach, or lake with you, grab Lucky in Love. This cover is so dang cute! It matches the book, and the characters perfectly. 

OUT TODAY! New YA Releases on July 25th, 2017


Out Today! Happy Book Birthday to today's newest YA releases. Check out what is out on bookstore shelves today:


Which new releases will you be picking up today?

Monday, July 24, 2017

Cassie Clare Shares Exclusive Sneak Peak of the 10th Anniversary of COB #Shadowhunters #CityOfBones10


Happy (late) Mundane Monday Shadowhunters! Cassandra Clare has shared another fabulous exclusive sneak peak into the 10th Anniversary of City of Bones (out 11/7/17). ALEC! I love Alec's portrait. This exclusive is only a sneak peak into the full exclusive that fans who have signed up for Cassie's newsletter, received a few days ago. Per her email:

This special edition will feature new portraits of Clary, Jace, Alec, Isabelle, Magnus, and Simon, beautifully rendered by Cassandra Jean. It will also include Inquisitor Herondale’s files on many prominent characters, written in between the events of City of Bones and City of Ashes.

I'll share more of this exclusive featuring Alec's file, in the coming weeks. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on Cassie's exclusives. Be sure you sign up for Cassie's newsletter, and don't forget to preorder your copy of the 10th Anniversary of City of Bones. 

Friday, July 21, 2017

Shadowhunters TV Series, S2E16; DAY OF ATONEMENT/ Review #shadowhunters

All images used can be found on Freeform's website.
We caught up from our vacation with this week's episode, "Day of Atonement". Here's hoping that it's some real atonement and we see a glimpse of the books we love.

EMMALY'S REVIEW

So our evil Sebastian has captured Valentine during the transfer to Idris but he didn’t do it to let him go it seems. We are now confirmed Seb was the one who was helping Luke kill Valentine. We also have confirmation Seb is in fact our Jonathan and has demon blood. But even Valentine couldn't control him. Jonathan revealing some of his worst traits retelling stories of his childhood. Valentine actually looks scared and rightly so I’m guessing. Jonathan has some serious Father issues that's for sure.

Image found on Freeform's website.

As the side plot of this story we are introduced to Maia going with Simon to his family dinner. Gotta have some nice stuff alongside the the evil stuff. It is cute and it’s nice that she is helping him out. At the end we see a small spark of what might be a future relationship. I do like this ship, it does fit this part of the story well.

Now Alec Jace Clary and Izzy are trying to find where Valentine has gone. Jace remembers a cabin in Idris and by looking at the map Clary makes her first portal. Yay some more of Clary’s extra powers are starting to show. So Jace and Clary go off to Idris landing in Lake Lyn. Book readers will be worried about them landing in the lake, and swallowing the water. And yes we realise that’s a problem as Clary looses Jace and starts hearing things. She even gets to chat to Etherial who tells her that Jonathan is alive. She thinks it is Jace, but do we know better. Was I the only one who thought Lake Lyn was a lot bigger? Or couldn’t they find a bigger lake for a shooting location. Aren’t the great lakes close to Toronto?

Image found on Freeform's website.

After Alec is worried something is wrong with Jace and they see they have left via a portal, Izzy is sent to help. My first thought was why is she going alone? isn’t there hundreds of other Shadowhunters at the Institute that could have gone too, you know as back up. But of course she finds Jace straight away and they find Clary who is a little out of her mind. A weird staged fight scene happens and Jace saves Clary from the Lyn water madness activating her healing rune. They then have a moment. Like I said in last week’s review, closer to them getting together, but not there yet, gotta wait for the season finale for that.

At the end we work out that the clave doesn’t have the Soul Sword that in fact evil Sebastian/Jonathan has it. But against his plans of sending Valentine to Edom, the Soul Sword allows Valentine to tell the truth about how Jonathan was always his finest creation. So now Valentine and Jonathan are back playing happy families again in NYC. I’m guessing our Sebastian stand-in will go back to the Institute tomorrow like nothing happened. And the big reveal even the non book readers would be working out was that there are in fact two Jonathan’s, our Jace and the evil one.

A better episode by far as some of the major plot lines are kept closer to the book. I can see some of the plots from the final 3 books in the TMI series might show up now. Unless it takes a while for them to find out who the evil Seb is. We do have a major death to come soon I think, and I just hope they do it justice.


SOPHIE'S REVIEW

Well, Mundie Mamas, we're in for another rollercoaster ride. In today's very special Shadowhunters we learn that Downworlders depression can be "seriously dangerous". Someone hand me a Prozac and let's try to get through this episode together, shall we?

Image found on Freeform's website.
Now, all sarcasm aside, I did absolutely love the special effects of Clary coming up with a rune that opens portals (the fact that she was inspired by a map of Idris is not canon, but I won't be picky).

Image found on Freeform's website.

The Adventure in Vampire Dating segment, however, was a little weird to say the least. What was the purpose of this bit? To see Simon lie to his family? To have Simon partnered with Maia? To see Simon's sweet grandmother? It's Yom Kippur dinner at Simon's house and what we get to see is an absolutely awkward segment on atonement. I'm still processing it and shaking my head. If I was editing this, I would've deleted it entirely.

Image found on Freeform's website.
And then we get what I'm calling Book Glimpses. Teeny moments of hope for those of us who cling to the thousand plus pages of beautifully written stories by Cassie -- there are portal shards which lead Robert (yes, Daddy Lightwood's back), Alec and Izzy to Jace and Clary by Lake Lyn. Clary begins to hallucinate (that was kinda-sorta true to the book) and sees Ithuriel.


And she doesn't recognize Jace until he hugs her. I know we would all recognize Jace in a hug, right?

My favorite part of the episode (and feel free to put Jace air quotes around "favorite") was the scene between Big Bad Daddy Valentine and Seb baby. They argue, they fight, they make up. Seb Anthony Bourdain makes dinner for Daddy. Whether you watch this sober or drunk, by this point, you are feeling queasy. Are we hallucinating along with Clary? Do we all need a hug from Jace to bring us back to reality? Yes, yes, we do. 

- - - - 

Was the episode uneven for you, too, Mundie Moms? Emm and I had pretty much the same feelings about it -- a bit better, but still horrible in parts.

Shadowhunter TV Series, S2E15; A PROBLEM OF MEMORY / Review #shadowhunters

All images courtesy of FreeForm's website.


We're a little behind here on our Shadowhunters viewing because of summer vacations, but hey, we watched back-to-back episodes, so now we're all caught up. And nothing says summer like a good murder mystery. Did Simon really drain someone of all their blood in a strip club, er, bleeder den? Scroll down to read our thoughts on episode 15.

EMM'S REVIEW

So we begin this episode with Simon feeling sorry for him self after realising Clary is still in love with Jace. After drinking some plasma at the bar, Vampire tequila shots it seems, Simon goes to the bleeder den a place to feast on willing humans. Now we know Simon is a good guy so we know this can’t end well. I do like it showing the bad side of being a vampire and the struggles our “boy next door” now has to deal with

Speaking of “boy next door” we get Sebastian burning himself again. So although super good looking, maybe not the ideal person to bring home to mum.

And while Seb is burning himself for fun, Magnus is not coping with his flash backs of his mother. I know I’ve said it before, but Alec and Magnus are my favourite in this show, characters and actors. They really did well with this casting. We get to see Magnus being the one who needs help this time, and Alec being able to give it to him.

Back to Simon having a bad night out on the Vampire tequila and waking up in someone else's blood. Did Simon kill a mundane? Is her name Maureen? Oh no this one is dead, I do hope we get to see Maureen in the future I can see her being a fun element in this show that takes it’s self too seriously. Book readers, you do remember this story being funny in parts don’t you? Not sure the TV producers got the memo.

By the way, Luke needs to sort out his police partner. Surely he has a way of keeping her out of it better, like not meeting her at the chinese restaurant all the time! Lucky for Simon he realises he didn’t kill the mundane, he can’t have killed her, remember he is the “boy next door”. The other bad vampire did it. So now Simon confronts him in a crowded bar full of other angry vampires. But yay of course Simon wins the battle and the bad guy is dead. Also Rafael sorts out Luke’s partners memories so we all get to go on with our day in the Shadow World .

We get to see Simon and Clary end there nice short "more than friends” relationship that was never going to last. Lets hope it doesn’t take to long to see Clary and Jace back together but with the nature of TV I’m thinking that might be a season finale story line

The other main plot of this eps is moving Valentines to Idris and what that entails His Circle rune is removed and Jace gets the pleasure of doing this with some weird rune shaver eraser. It is odd having Valentine talking to Jace about his experiments on him and his real parents. But I guess this is a good way for the non book readers to understand more about Jace’s real parents.

One of my favourite parts of this episode was the introduction of Aline, Sebastian’s cousin, and how we can see cracks in who this Sebastian character is. Then it is finally revealed that the real Sebastian Verlac is being held prisoner by our evil Seb explaining why he has gone missing. When the real Seb escaped I really wanted him to make the institute, but of course he is meant to be dead, and so he doesn’t quite make it. Evil Seb taking his place for ever now.

So with evil Seb on the loose he helps Valentine escape and reveals himself as a demon charred to a crisp. You’d think if he was so burnt he wouldn’t like to keep doing it to himself. And did he call Valentine “Father" at the end? And we got a glimpse of Alicante and Idris, yay!!


SOPHIE'S REVIEW

I've decided to sum up my feelings in song lyrics because honestly,  this was another ridiculous-plot-wrapped-up-in-one-episode moment.


"Go make that money, money/ Your money, money, money..." (-"I Don't Mind" by Usher)
Strip Den or Bleeder Den, you decide? I would put the Freeform image up here, but Simon dancing seductively while his teeth are sunk in a woman's wrist is not exactly something that you want your small children to see. I watched this with my teen daughter, and we both turned to each other and eyerolled at the same time. Why is Simon talked into going to a Bleeder Den? I honestly don't know. He's stronger than this. 


"I am seeing in me now the things you swore you saw yourself." (- "Vindicated" by Dashboard Confessional)
Emo Sebastian causing self harm with an iron. Oy vey. We get it. You're a demon. You like causing pain and pain is the only thing you can feel. Eyeroll #2 for you guys keeping count.


"And I'll find comfort in my pain / Eraser" ( - "Eraser" by Ed Sheerhan)


Images found on  Freeform's website.

And we have the Winner of the Worst Lines of the Episode. Eyeroll #3 and in rapid succession #4. On the other hand, it's kind of comforting to see Izzy give such good advice. I mean, wouldn't you trust a former meth, I mean, yin fen addict? She's your go-to girl for relationship advice because all of her past relationships have been built on solid ground. I know, I know, you can feel my sadness at how all of this could have been written.


"Just a puppet on a lonely string / Oh who would ever want to be king? (- "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay)
That moment when Jace tells Alec to try to run the Institute like archery. I know,  I was lost, too. Not exactly the political theory I was expecting Jace to quote. Feel free to assume eyeroll #5.


"If you can see that I'm the one who understands you / Been here all along so why can't you see / You belong with me" (-"You Belong with Me" by Taylor Swift)
When Simon said to Clary,  "There’s something between you and Jace that you can’t deny.", I felt a slight bookish moment. It seemed real for once. And collectively, we all sighed, "Oh Simon."


"Papa don't preach, we're in trouble deep..." (- "Papa Don't Preach" by Madonna)
"Your love for Clary will be your downfall." Ah Valentine. Reminding us of why we're still watching. Props again to the actor, who delivers these cheesy lines with malignant believability.


"We’re coming after you, this is the Hunt..." (- Shadowhunters theme)
Sebbie baby killing other Sebbie baby was the best moment of the show. Why? Because it had to happen eventually, right? I actually started singing the show's theme song right at this moment. It was all overwhelmingly dramatic.



“I get by with a little help from my friends.”  (- "With a Little Help from My Friends" by The Beatles)
It's handy to have a friend like Raphael who can just memory wipe Luke's partner's memory of Simon and his link to the murder of the mundane. Convenient to say the least. Also, super-duper lazy writing, but it's in keeping with the let's-solve-it-in-one-episode trend of this season.


"Dying is easy, young man / Living is harder...." ( - "Right-Hand Man" from Hamilton, the Musical)
"I mean I thought dying was bad. This is way worse."   Simon's conversation with Clary, and my eyeroll #6. This was in reference to murdering a mundane. Yes, my poor Simon, murder is worse. Also, this qualifies as the Understatement of the Century. Eyeroll #6 for those wanting to know.


"Just the two of us / We can make it if we try..." (- "Just the Two of Us" by Will Smith)
"What do you want from me?" said Valentine to Seb. Ah, the question that could launch a thousand demonic answers. What was cool is that we got to see Sebbie's grotesque demonic form and he called Valentine, father, in the most chilling way.
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So, Mundie Moms, what did you think? Are you enjoying the show? Was the episode one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments.

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