Robin WassermanRessenyes

Mystery

Overall, I really loved the concept of this story following Jem throughout history and hunting for the child. I loved going throughout history and seeing all my favorite characters new and old. I really loved seeing so many fan favorites and found it to be so fun. I really do love Jem as a character and loved seeing all the different verisions of a shadow market as well. It was such a fun read and got my ready for chain of gold.

Overall, I really loved the concept of this story following Jem throughout history and hunting for the child. I loved going throughout history and seeing all my favorite characters new and old. I really loved seeing so many fan favorites and found it to be so fun. I really do love Jem as a character and loved seeing all the different verisions of a shadow market as well. It was such a fun read and got my ready for chain of gold.

A mystery about Scooby-Doo and the gang during winter.

Okay yeah this one was much better!!!!!! Simon's character felt much more like Simon. Standing up for himself and what he believes in and still being witty and funny without it being too much. That and we had some dialogue between Simon and Clary at the end (the very last thing Clary said made me tear up a bit). We got to see a bit of fighting from Simon but then we got to see Isabelle being a total badass which is always a good thing.

Tobias' story was well thought out I think like tbh it was a really good story and I'm hoping we learn more about his son and the possible other Herondales at some point. I think it would be really cool to possibly see some interaction between Jace and his potential relatives eventually.

I think I liked this one so much because unlike the last one I feel like this ones story actually added something to the universe that can be expanded on and that's always really exciting.

The Second book of the Cold Awakening trilogy. This was a great second book. Lia and Riley grow closer, while Jude is Jude and hurts someone deeply. That hurt turns into a betrayal that will change Lia's life forever.

In this far future dystopia where the earth was nearly destroyed because of a nuclear war centered in the Middle East, technology has progressed to such a level/degree that it was used to heal the earth from the near destruction of the war. The moon and stars are no longer visible but that is a small price to pay for all the technological advances some people enjoy. Babies are created using genetic modification and with enough credit parents can select for every possible physical and intellectual attribute they want, so Lea Kahn and her sister Zoie are perfect. Lea, beautiful and perfect, had a horrible car accident that would have killed her if not for the modern, medical technology that saved her. After the accident, Lea’s parents save her by having her brain removed from her broken body, sliced up, and uploaded into a new synthetic body. This takes the coming of age question—who am I—and twists it into something horribly new for Lea. What she has become, people call mech heads or skinners and while she has all of her memories of her life before the accident, she has no connection to the body she was given. Lea struggles to negotiate a new life as her old friends including her boyfriend reject her. Fans of Feed and the Adoration of Jenna Fox will enjoy this gripping and chilling novel, the first of a trilogy.

Hidden Under a Mountain of Words

Given how patients relate their stories slowly and often piecemeal to their psychological therapists, these professionals need lots of patience, probably more than the average person. With this low-key psychological suspense novel, readers will have to exhibit a great deal of forbearance to get to the nut of the story. Wasserman throws a lot at you in the forms of emotions, medical jargon, point of view shifts, and hops between past and present, thus turning what begins as the mystery of woman’s memory loss into a complicated journey through the minds of the three principal protagonists: Lizzie/Elizabeth, alternately the young researcher and the older widow; Alice, in search of her mother; and Wendy/Karen, the woman who can’t or choses not to remember her past.

In 1999, Lizzie presents herself as one of a group of protégées selected by the renowned memory scientist, Dr. Benjamin Strauss. Your radar immediately turns on when you learn from kibitzing among the group that, among other things, Dr. Strauss has a reputation as a predator, and also that Lizzie considers herself a lightweight compared to the others in the group. So, what’s one to think when Dr. Strauss picks her to work closely on the case of Wendy, the mystery woman with no memory of her past, a project that could open her great research success or ruin? It soon becomes apparent that Lizzie has issues that make her vulnerable to a man life Strauss. One thing leads to another, and early on we jump to the present to learn she and Strauss carried on, he divorced, and he married her. Lizzie/Elizabeth has lots of barrage to sort through, parents, friends, profession, and the like, and readers are there for every thought, or so it feels like.

In her life as the widow Strauss, out of science and contemplating getting about her writing, Alice turns up in search of her mother, Karen, who might have been patient Wendy. At 18 and on her way to college, she decides it’s time to understand why her mother disappeared when she was a baby. Feelings of abandonment stir all kinds of psychological turmoil, relationship problems and father-daughter issues not the least, along with self-worth. Alice and Elizabeth, now a widow, connect and talk about Wendy/Karen, particularly what Elizabeth might have learned and what became of Wendy. It’s during this storyline that finally you get a focused picture of what transpired, and it’s not very pretty, but anticipated.

Wendy, while critical to everybody involved, sort of gets short shrift. Of course, when someone has no idea who they are, not a shred of memory, you can understand. (Joyce Carol Oates built an entire novel around this idea of truncated memory in her very good The Man Without a Shadow.) Wasserman gives her short chapters to express herself, and a bit more character building in interchanges with Lizzie, who comes to treat her a friend/patient. But by the end, you know with certainty who she was in one of her past lives, for she has a history of entering dissociative fugue states, a condition wherein you forget your past, establish a new life, then remember you past and forget her amnesia life.

Recommended only for the most patient readers, though readers might do better with Oates’ aforementioned novel.

Hidden Under a Mountain of Words

Given how patients relate their stories slowly and often piecemeal to their psychological therapists, these professionals need lots of patience, probably more than the average person. With this low-key psychological suspense novel, readers will have to exhibit a great deal of forbearance to get to the nut of the story. Wasserman throws a lot at you in the forms of emotions, medical jargon, point of view shifts, and hops between past and present, thus turning what begins as the mystery of woman’s memory loss into a complicated journey through the minds of the three principal protagonists: Lizzie/Elizabeth, alternately the young researcher and the older widow; Alice, in search of her mother; and Wendy/Karen, the woman who can’t or choses not to remember her past.

In 1999, Lizzie presents herself as one of a group of protégées selected by the renowned memory scientist, Dr. Benjamin Strauss. Your radar immediately turns on when you learn from kibitzing among the group that, among other things, Dr. Strauss has a reputation as a predator, and also that Lizzie considers herself a lightweight compared to the others in the group. So, what’s one to think when Dr. Strauss picks her to work closely on the case of Wendy, the mystery woman with no memory of her past, a project that could open her great research success or ruin? It soon becomes apparent that Lizzie has issues that make her vulnerable to a man life Strauss. One thing leads to another, and early on we jump to the present to learn she and Strauss carried on, he divorced, and he married her. Lizzie/Elizabeth has lots of barrage to sort through, parents, friends, profession, and the like, and readers are there for every thought, or so it feels like.

In her life as the widow Strauss, out of science and contemplating getting about her writing, Alice turns up in search of her mother, Karen, who might have been patient Wendy. At 18 and on her way to college, she decides it’s time to understand why her mother disappeared when she was a baby. Feelings of abandonment stir all kinds of psychological turmoil, relationship problems and father-daughter issues not the least, along with self-worth. Alice and Elizabeth, now a widow, connect and talk about Wendy/Karen, particularly what Elizabeth might have learned and what became of Wendy. It’s during this storyline that finally you get a focused picture of what transpired, and it’s not very pretty, but anticipated.

Wendy, while critical to everybody involved, sort of gets short shrift. Of course, when someone has no idea who they are, not a shred of memory, you can understand. (Joyce Carol Oates built an entire novel around this idea of truncated memory in her very good The Man Without a Shadow.) Wasserman gives her short chapters to express herself, and a bit more character building in interchanges with Lizzie, who comes to treat her a friend/patient. But by the end, you know with certainty who she was in one of her past lives, for she has a history of entering dissociative fugue states, a condition wherein you forget your past, establish a new life, then remember you past and forget her amnesia life.

Recommended only for the most patient readers, though readers might do better with Oates’ aforementioned novel.

This was the first book that I had read by Robin Wasserman, but I loved it. J.D. wakes up to discover that she doesn't know who or where she is. She is in the hospital because of injuries she sustained in some kind of explosion. After leaving the hospital, she is placed in Chester Center for Juvenile Services where she is generally ostracized/mistreated by most of the population except for Daniel. Just as she and Daniel start to become friends, J.D.'s mother arrives, tells her that her name is Alexa, and takes her home, but when they get there, nothing seems familiar to J.D. Before long, J.D. starts to question everything including who she really is and where she belongs. This is a wonderful mystery full of suspense and questions that leave the reader wondering right along with J.D. I'm anxious to read the next book in the series.

Another good story by Wasserman. J.D. is now on the run with Daniel, but still does not remember her past. She also knows that she has some kind of power that she can't explain, and it frightens her. She and Daniel seek to find out more information that might lead them to the truth. They run across Jacob who gives them what seems like a home living underground with other runaways, but it isn't long before J.D. realizes that she has endangered all of them, including Daniel. Who can she trust? Will Jacob betray them? I'm anxious to read the final book in the trilogy, Chasing Yesterday #3, The Truth.

The final book in the trilogy was just as good as the first two. In Chasing Yesterday #3, Truth, JD is back at the institute under the control of Dr. Sykes, until Daniel returns, and JD begins to question all of what she thinks she knows to be true. This was a very intriguing trilogy. This series would be excellent for reluctant readers. I highly recommend it for those looking for a quick yet enjoyable read.

Cassandra Clare is an author whose books I do not exactly enjoy but who I cannot seem to stop reading. Everything about her stories, characters, and writing style should appeal to me and yet something about it just doesn't work. I have tried them as physical books, e-books, and audios and they don't really hold my interest but still I soldier on hoping I will enjoy them...

This was so freaking good! It tied The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, The Bane Chronicles, and The Dark Artifices together. Loved it so much!!!

Average Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.1

I have been waiting to read this book because Jem will always remain one of my favorite characters in this universe and I was so excited to read a book that followed his journey through the years. His devotion for Tessa and Will is a constant across all these stories and it made me tear up a lot of times. We also get introduced to characters who are going to be the MCs in The Last Hours as well as get some idea about where The Wicked Powers might lead us to, and I think it was a wonderful way to create excitement for the new series. There were obviously some moments here where I got bored, but the overall experience was one of joy and satisfaction because these are characters I’ve known and loved for years, and it’s nice to know more of their life.

There are going to be some spoilers for the ending of Queen of Air and Darkness, so please read at your own risk.

Son of the Dawn

This is really a very cute and emotional story of 10 year old Jace coming to the Lightwoods for the first time, and I enjoyed it very much. It’s a nice feeling watching these favorite characters of mine as little kids. We also get a lot of internal monologue of Brother Zachariah and you can guess what he is thinking about, so that made me tear up. Very enjoyable and nostalgia inducing beginning to this collection.

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cast Long Shadows

Matthew Fairchild is such a sweet and happy young man, so giving of his love that I completely fell in love with him. His relationship with James and Lucie is amazing and I can’t wait to read more about them together. This story quickly took a sad turn and I’m feeling so bad for Matthew, and I hope things get better. It was also nice to see Brother Zachariah get to see both Tessa and Will... them being together even in a single scene makes my heart ache.

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Every Exquisite Thing

I’m really enjoying reading the stories about the kids of all the characters from TID and this story is about Anna Lightwood. This is a tale about identity, about her being comfortable in her own skin, finding acceptance from her family and coming to realize that she is a genderfluid lesbian and be completely unapologetic about it. I totally loved her confidence and swagger, and can absolutely see how she is Izzy’s ancestor. Brother Zachariah’s own mission is taking him in dangerous directions and I’m curious to see what happens next.

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Learn about Loss

Set in an illegal Shadow Market in depression era Tennessee, we follow Brother Zachariah again along with iron sister in training Emilia, on their task to find out all the nefarious activities of the carnival. During this quest of theirs, we get to see deep into their hearts and it made me really cry because all he wants is to be is with his dearest loves Will and Tessa. Their love is truly unparalleled and I just wanted to cry. Emilia is also an amazingly confident woman and I hope I’ll get to see her again. Wonderful story about love and longing and heartfelt desires.

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Deeper Love

This one takes place during the blitz in WWII and both Jem and Tessa are dealing with the loss of Will. The grief of Tessa is wonderfully interspersed with the grief of London which is being bombed everyday and everyone is dealing with the loss of loved ones. I spent most of the second half of this sobbing because Tessa and Jem love each other so much, but he feels guilty for not being capable of loving her completely while she just wants him anyway she can. I know their future, but reading about them during these periods of grief and loneliness when they are scared of losing each other just made me so sad. Such an emotional and heartbreaking story.

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Wicked Ones

Set during the first time rise of Valentine in Paris, this story follows Céline who just wants to belong somewhere and is desperate for some love. This is a tale about the cycle of abuse and manipulation and gaslighting, and how an abuser will use all kinds of tactics to isolate the victim and make them believe that the abuser only has their best interests at heart - and it made me both sad and angry to see what was happening to Céline. We also follow Brother Zachariah on his quest to find the lost Herondale and that’s been an interesting journey.

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Land I Lost

Taking place after the end of the Dark War in TMI, this follows Alec and Lily when they go to Buenos Aires to help out Jem and Tessa. While getting to know the true story about the First Heir, we also see Alec in his true form - a noble brave Shadowhunter doing everything in his power to help the powerless, even if he has to go against his own. He is such a born leader and I loved getting those glimpses of him here. And seeing him with Rafe, how their bond develops and ultimately how they all quickly become family is too beautiful for words. Malec are the best and will always be... and I am so happy Magnus finally made an appearance because I was missing him in this book.

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Through Blood, Through Fire

In this story, we get to know more about the life of Rosemary and Jack, and everything they sacrificed to protect their child. It was also nice to see Tessa and Jem finally get the life they deserve - their story will never not make me cry happy tears. Interesting story but I did get bored for a bit.

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

The Lost World

I definitely wasn’t expecting a story with a POV from the ghost of Livvy but it definitely was interesting to know how she felt being dead and bound to her twin. We also get glimpses into what’s happening inside the closed wards of Idris and it looks like dark times are ahead. I got a bit bored in the middle but everything is forgiven after the delightful news of Jem and Tessa.

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Forever Fallen

Told in two POVs, this was definitely very interesting and felt like an extended epilogue of Queen of Air and Darkness. Jace from Thule is both a sympathetic and unlikable character and I’m quite fascinated to see where his story goes next and how it will clash with that of Kit. On the other hand, seeing Kit with Jem, Tessa and their baby, living a somewhat quieter life and finally with a family that truly loved him was beautiful to read. Dark times maybe ahead but this was a sweet reprieve.

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mother Daughter Widow Wife is a riveting psychological novel but one that can be difficult to follow at times. For those who enjoy a good thriller/mystery and juggling a lot of characters with complex backgrounds, this book is for you. The characters in this novel are very complex and intertwine A LOT so the reader needs to be able to keep them straight. The plot moves fairly quickly, at first, then slows down for the last half. I enjoyed the novel and found it binge worthy. I recommend this novel to those with a basic knowledge of psychology and for those who like to put in a little brain power while reading.

This one kept me hooked. It was sad and fun and I cared for the characters. It was a parent's worst nightmare. This is a book I kept thinking about after finishing. Wasn't able to write about it right away. It's probably in my top 15 for this year.

This book had a really unexpected ending, almost a non-ending in that you don't really, for sure know what happens. But it was a really good read.

It's sad that Simon is so lost and not connected with his friends like he was. Makes me frowny face. The conversation at the end gives me hope they will get those relationships back though. Also, another Herondale? I need more info on that.

A premise with a late shocker of a conclusion, this unique novel follows the career of Elizabeth Epstein, a brain researcher who wins a prestigious fellowship at a Philadelphia institute that was formerly a women's asylum. She becomes obsessed with Benjamin Strauss, a married older man who runs the Meadowlark Institute. Elizabeth's research topic is Wendy Doe, a woman who is brought to the facility with no memory. Years later, after Strauss dies and Elizabeth, who becomes his second wife, is widowed, Wendy's Doe’s adult daughter Alice appears at the Meadowlark after her mother disappears a second time. The most potent voice is Wendy's, as she seeks to learn about her mother's altered state and decisions to run away from her family. The most pitiful dampened and muted thoughts come from Elizabeth, whose career and future are completely surrendered to the selfish, domineering, and serial sexual predator Strauss. It's a disturbing read that spends too much time on Elizabeth's self-pity and not enough on Wendy and Alice's spunk and bravery. The missing voice of Dr. Strauss is also noteworthy.

Quotes: "In his presence she felt more like the person she was when alone, only better."

"She'd done her best to build a life that would be a bulwark against the inevitable. She allowed nothing to feel essential except that which she could control."

"No one would be inconvenienced if I disappeared from my own life."

"Doctors told you what was wrong with you and why it couldn't be fixed. Doctors told you when it was time to give up."

"He performed reassurance and she tried to perform reassured."

Wasn't crazy about the writing so started skimming; not a good idea when it's written from 4 different points of view and one of the characters has lost her memory! Kept getting mixed up about who was who - part of the problem (in addition to my own lack of attention) was that the characters' voices weren't distinct enough.

ugh this is exhausting

so I read one Jem quote from TID and nearly cried...



I need to read this soon AJKSFNJS

The book of my heart that I didn't know I needed. If you love the Infernal Devices, and you've read alllll the rest of the Shadown Hunters saga, you NEED this book.

Well written, and good for someone who likes dark stories with people doing awful things to one another. Solid horror, I guess? I pretty much hated it, and gave up before the end. It's fairly gory and has explicit violence, drug use, and language. There are also several on page sexual assault scenes and lots of horrifyingly awful parents. If you're recommending it to teens, I'd maybe give a heads up that the content is more explicit than a lot of YA horror.