ATM Giveaway #1: Win A Clockwork Angel Capter Sampler!

Hiya everyone!
So, I'm hoping everyone checked out my Clockwork Angel review yesterday! If you haven't, then click here!

If I remember correctly, I mentioned there was going to be a giveaway! It might not be the only one we have this week-- we might have some more. Just saying, haha. Anyways, here are the details:

What you can win?: A chapter sampler of Clockwork Angel from Cassandra Clare's NYC signing. (Picture below)


^^ What you can win! ^^

What you have to do?: Since we're soooo close to 500 followers on Twitter. All you have to do to enter this contest is follow All Things Mortal on Twitter AND tweet the following: "I want to win a Clockwork Angel chapter sampler from @AllThingsMortal #clockworkangel"

That's all you have to do! When we reach 500 followers (which we hope is soon), I will use random.org & randomly choose the winner!

Good luck everyone! Be sure to check our posts all week! We have lots of cool stuff to come! And as always, if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas...let us know at allthingsmortal@live.com!

Cheers,
Jackie (ATM --Admin)

And Just Like Clockwork: ATM's Clockwork Angel Review

It's review time here on ATM! For today, I am reviewing Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. And if you've been living under a rock for the last several months, Clockwork Angel is Cassandra's latest book & the first book in the Infernal Devices series. It's actually a prequel to the Mortal Instruments series, and will be released in bookstores on August 31, 2010! My review will be SPOILER-FREE, so if you were worried, don't be!

Clockwork Angel takes place in Victorian England, and the story follows 16-year-old Tessa Gray. She goes to England to find her brother, but instead she finds a dark world and the Pandemonium Club. Tessa is kidnapped, and soon finds out she has a special ability. She is saved by the Shadowhunters, and is given refuge at the London Institute.

I was overly excited to begin Clockwork Angel-- mostly because I wanted to get back into the world of Shadowhunters, Downworlders, and all that fun stuff. I wasn't disappointed. Cassandra always writes in a way to keep the reader totally interested. However, I will say that it might have took me slightly longer to get into Clockwork Angel than it did to get into City of Bones. The reason for that was that there is a bit of explanation in CWA, but then again, that is completely understandable. I think I just wanted to get into the story, and skip the explanation. I think that's just me, though. The fact that Cassandra does explains her world with very precise detail is definitely a good thing, though-- especially if you haven't read The Mortal Instruments series. Both series really do compliement each other. It's definitely not necessary to read either one first. If you have (like me) read TMI already...then there are some things that you already know that Tessa doesn't.

Once I was totally and completely engrossed in the book, I couldn't put it down! I stayed up well into the night to find out what happens. The first thing that most people asked me once I finished was if I liked Clockwork Angel better than the Mortal Instruments series. Honestly, I would say it's a tie! I think if you enjoyed the Mortal Instruments series, then you'll definitely enjoy Clockwork Angel. It doesn't lack in action, adventure, romance, or other elements that make an amazing story. And it definitely is a MUST-READ that should be added to your collection!

One last thing.......it is so difficult to choose which team I'm on. That's one thing I love about Cassandra's writing. You end up falling in love with her characters, but for very different reasons. Tessa, Will, Jem, etc., etc....It is so hard to pick! However, if I did have to choose...I'm Team Will, then! Once you all read Clockwork Angel, I hope some of you will see why, haha! ;)

So, long story short....GO GET CLOCKWORK ANGEL (in bookstores on August 31st)! You won't be disappointed! Great book, interesting, and you get to immerse yourself in this cool world that Cassandra created.......who wouldn't want to read it?

And of course, what better way to end a review than with some totally awesome graphics?! I made three Clockwork Angel wallpapers! Please feel free to use or repost, but please give credit where credit is due. Thanks!






^^ Please click to view full-size image! ^^

Thanks for reading everyone!

You can find out more about Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare by clicking here!
You can check out the official Infernal Devices site by clicking here!
You can pre-order Clockwork Angel by clicking here!

Cheers,
Jackie (ATM --Admin)

P.S. We will be having a small giveaway! So, be sure to keep an eye on the All Things Mortal Twitter account! *hint* *hint*

What's With All The Epicness? Cassandra Clare in NYC - Preview Post!

Hiya everyone!

Just in case you haven't been keeping a close eye on ATM's Twitter...I went to NYC a few days ago, and had the awesome chance to meet Cassandra Clare!!! It pretty much made my day week! It was so awesome to be able to attend, and to finally have a chance to meet her. Needless to say, it was beyond epic!

Anyways...this is a preview post of what's to come in the next couple of days. All next week (starting on Monday, August 9), I will be posting videos and photos of Cassandra's signing in NYC. I have quite a few, which is why I'm deciding not to post them all at once-- it would literally be the world's longest post, hah.

Also, I will kick off next week with my review of Clockwork Angel-- Cassandra's next book & the prequel to the Mortal Instruments series that will be released on August 31, 2010! Annnndddd, you know we might have a giveaway or two. So, I'd definitely check out next week's posts!

Since this is a preview post, how about some preview of Cassandra's Q & A. You all know (or at least should have guessed) that I heart Jace! I haven't exactly kept that a secret....so of course, I had to make sure I got Cassandra Clare on video talking about what makes Jace hot! (My video got a bit messed up when it got uploaded to Youtube, btw...but it still works) Enjoy! ;)

Thanks for reading everyone! Check back next week-- videos, photos, giveaways, graphics, witty posts-- what more could you ask for?

And if you have any questions, comments, concerns, ideas, etc....then please e-mail allthingsmortal@live.com!

Cheers,
Jackie (ATM --Admin)

Why is it Suddenly so Hot in Here?

So, just in case you missed it yesterday...Cassandra Clare tweeted July's City of Fallen Angels excerpt! A few days ago, I posted wallpapers for all the CoFA excerpts that there have been so far. To check them out, you can click here! Of course, I couldn't resist making a wallpaper for the July City of Fallen Angels excerpt. Since it's summer and all, Cassandra made sure that this excerpt was super HOT-- and I made sure the wallpaper followed suit!

So, what did you think of July's excerpt? I personally loved it! Ahhhh....I cannot wait for City of Fallen Angels!!! Is it 2011 yet? Haha!

Leave your thoughts about the excerpt & the wallpaper in the comments of this post!

Cheers,
Jackie (ATM --Admin)

A Post in the Name of the Angel

O HAI there Mortal Instruments fans! *waves* It's been a while since I've updated this blog. Really sorry about that. *hangs head in shame* Life just tends to get in the way....and it has *cough* nothing to do with the fact that I run 6 other fansites, hah. So, anyways...glad to be back here rambling on and on about the Mortal Instruments series. There's nothing better, right?

It's only 55 more days (according to the widget above) until The Clockwork Angel is released! I seriously can't wait...I haven't read it yet! So, I'm excited! From what I've heard it's very good! Plus, anything that Cassandra Clare has posted from The Clockwork Angel, I have read. I particularly like June's The Clockwork Angel excerpt, which you can read by clicking here!

Also, I know it's, umm, a while away....but I seriously can't wait for City of Fallen Angels! I love how every month Cassandra Clare has been giving us fans tiny teasers! You can read all of the CoFA teasers by clicking here!

So....since I don't think my apology up there has made up for my neglect of the blog...I made some City of Fallen Angels wallpapers. And YES, the wallpapers use all the teasers that Cassandra Clare has posted so far! (No, I don't know how to make just one wallpaper...but you lot aren't complaining, right?) I hope you all like them! Feel free to repost & please give credit where credit is due!

June 2010


May 2010


April/March 2010


February 2010


January 2010


^^ Please click to view full-size images ^^

On another note...did you know that Cassandra Clare is revealing some super secret book news in August when she comes to NYC? Can't wait...she'll be doing an online chat! You can find out more details & find out how to RSVP to the chat by clicking here! In addition, if you live in the NYC area, you might get the chance to meet Cassandra! I know I can't wait because I'm definitely going to Cassandra's event in NYC! *excited*

Well, I think that's all for this post! I know, I know...very sad! But not to worry....I will try to update again sometime soon! More Mortal Instrument-y goodness to come!

Cheers,
Jackie (ATM-- Admin)

P.S. For some weird reason Twitter has decided not to show ATM's @ replies, so if you need to contact me for whatever reason....then e-mail allthingsmortal@live.com ...thanks!

Which Team Are You On?

So, a couple a days ago on Twitter, Cassandra awesomely answered questions on Twitter. She does this quite often (probably as often as she can), so always keep a close eye on her Twitter.

Anyways, I asked Cassie something, though I can't quite remember why I asked it now. Too many tweets to go back and check, haha. But her answer is what led to today's post! Here's what she tweeted:

After Cassandra tweeted that, I immediately made a banner. Because that's just how the Mortal Instruments fan in me rolls. So, since we all know Jace so wants to befriend a unicorn *cough*...Team Unicorn was formed! Team Unicorn is all for Jace befriending unicorns & other mythical creatures.

So, since I am graphic maker extraordinare (not really, but you know what I mean) I made a Team Unicorn wallpaper. Plus I wanted to improve my skills, and I told the Mundie Moms that were team unicorn that I would make a wallpaper! So, here it is:

But didn't you know? I'm overly ambitious (when I'm not lazy, that is)! So, why would I only make one wallpaper for all of you. Pick a team any team! I've made five other wallpapers (for those of you who aren't Team Unicorn) to choose from! Team Alec, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, and Simon! Take your pick!











Click each wallpaper to view the full-size image! Enjoy! Repost if you so desire, but please give credit where credit it due!

Oh and in the comments, leave which Team you are and why? Or just leave a comment to make me happy...because everyone knows that I love comments. Oh, you didn't know that? Well, now you do!

Cheers,
Jackie (ATM --Admin)

A Shadow Hunter Never Breaks An Oath

So, when was the last time I constructed a real post for this site? Oh yeah, a while ago. *dodges the seraph blades being flung* Anyways, my apologies. Life gets in the way, and it absolutely sucks. However, I said I would post soon. Well, soon is now! An experienced Shadow Hunter like me, never breaks an oath. Oh yeah, I forgot....I'm only a Shadow Hunter in my head, haha.

Well, changing the topic....I'm always excited for Mortal Instruments-related stuff. Graphic novel, City of Fallen Angels, and of course, The Clockwork Angel. Don't know what The Clockwork Angel is about? Click here. It's sort of a prequel to the Mortal Instruments series. Though, you don't need to read the Infernal Devices to get the Mortal Instruments, and vice-versa. And have you seen the gorgeous cover?

If you want to check out an excerpt from The Clockwork Angel, then click here!

And who wants it to be August now? Oooohhh, me! *raises hand* Why am I so excited for August? That's because when we get to read a chapter from City of Fallen Angels (the fourth book in the Mortal Instruments series). The paperback of City of Glass comes out on August 3, 2010! And in that paperback...yep, you guess it, one chapter from City of Fallen Angels. Until then, Cassandra is EMBARGOED-- which is a fancy way of saying that she can't say much about City of Fallen Angels until the paperback comes out. And then, we wait until March, 2011 for the book to come out. *le sigh* To find out more, please click here.

Now onto graphics....since I know a lot of you come on the blog specifically for that. What if I didn't make any graphics? Haha...just joking. Of course I made graphics! One Magnus & Alec and one Jace & Clary! Ahh....probably my two favorite Mortal Instruments couples!

Enjoy....you, repost, and give credit where credit is due!

Thanks for reading more Mortal Instrument-y goodness to comes, hehe!

Cheers,
Jackie (ATM-- Admin)

Writing Contest: Literary Lovers Mash-up!‏

Novel Novice is launching a new, creative-writing contest! They were inspired by a contest from Spinebreakers in the U.K. ... asking fans to write an explosive love scene between two unlikely literary lovers -- such as Edward Cullen and Tess of the D'Ubervilles.

Here are the rules & guidelines for their contest:

* Write a short scene in which two unlikely literary heroes meet for the first time


* Keep it 500 words or less!


* Grammer & Spelling DO count -- so proofread!


* YES, you can enter more than once!


* E-mail your entries to sara.novelnovice@comcast.net


* Entries are due by midnight (PST) on Sunday, March 28th.


Anyone can enter — any ages, any countries!


We'll feature some of the best entries on Novel Novice, and I'll even send Novel Novice bookmarks (coming soon) to some of the best U.S. entries (Sorry, I can't mail outside of the U.S.)

You can view the complete rules & details by clicking here!

Thanks to Sara from Novel Novice for the e-mail!

The Melodies That Inspire

Hey everyone!
Wow...it's been a while since the last time I posted a blog on ATM. I blame...too many fansites. Let's seeee....I have six, including this one. Anddddd I might not had the slighest idea what I was going to write for this post. So, I had to contemplate for a while, and come up with ideas. I needed a muse, and like a lot of people, my muse is MUSIC.

The Mortal Instruments series is one series that I can think of a number of songs-- where part or all of the song remind me of the series. Now, I'm not going to go on and list EVERY song that reminds me of TMI. However, I did make a couple of banners to demonstrate how songs have inspired me.





Please click images to view full-size!

So, the song I chose for the Jace banner is "I Slept With Someone From Fall Out Boy, and All I Got Was This Stupid Song About me" by Fall Out Boy. Talk about LONG title! However, I love this song. Parts of it really remind me of Jace...and for the banner, I chose the part that most reminded me of Jace. (Jace definitely has arrogance down to a science, haha)

For the Alec banner I used "Turn It Off" by Paramore. I had trouble picking a song that reminded me of Alec because I wasn't sure, if this song especially, reminded me of him. However, it reminded me of City of Bones when Alec tried to fight the Greater Demon. He was trying to be like Jace....and if you read the lyrics on the banner, maybe you'll think of Alec like I did.

So, if you haven't heard these songs....what are you waiting for? Go to Youtube NOW!

What songs make you think of The Mortal Instruments series? Tell me in the comments!

Cheers,
Jackie (ATM --Admin)

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MUNDIE MOMS! They're celebrating a year online! Congrats to them! By the way, if you haven't seen their gift from Cassandra Clare, it's EPIC! It's the chapter titles & small descriptions of the chapters in City of Fallen Angels! You can check it out by clicking here

Want The Mortal Instruments Series Signed?

You can have a chance to win City of Glass, and help out a wonderful cause! For those of you who are also Harry Potter fans, you may already know about this. Many of the Harry Potter fansites, as well as other fansites have joined together to 'Help Haiti Heal' So, please help out by donating, and you can also get a chance to win some awesome prizes-- and one of the prizes even includes a signed copy of The Mortal Instruments series!

* Donate $10 by Jan. 30th and you can win a signed copy of The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.


But some of the other prizes include:

* A full set of Harry Potter novels signed and donated by J.K. Rowling.
* Signed copy of Harlequin Valentine donated by Neil Gaiman.
* Signed, dedicated, first edition novels by bestselling author Terry Pratchett.
Signed books from Time Magazine's Lev Grossman, NY Times bestselling author Melissa Anelli, Movies in 15 Minutes author Cleolinda Jones, and Urban fantasy novelist Lilith Saintcrow, as well as young adult authors John Green, Karen Healey, Aprilynne Pike, Pam Bachorz, Lisa Mantchev, and many more.
* Original, never before seen, concept art from the film Where the Wild Things Are, Spiderman II, and Bicentenial Man.
* Dexter bobbleheads donated by Showtime.
* Posters signed by Bon Jovi and The Guild cast and crew.


And these are just a few of the items you can win by donating. A complete list of prizes can be found by clicking here.

Please click here for even more info. For further updates, you can follow the Helping Haiti Heal twitter account by clicking here!

Go quickly though, this ends on January 30, 2010 (tomorrow)!

Thanks to Danielle at http://hpalliance.org for the e-mail!

The Great Debate

So, my friend and I have this little debate going on. Who's the better guy....Jace or Simon? My friend insists that its Simon....and do I really need to reiterate my obsession admiration of Jace?

Now, before I get anyone taking sides, I have absolutely nothing against Simon. I think he's a great character. However, Jace....words can NOT describe how I feel about Jace. Jace kicks arse & looks cool while doing it.

So, what should my friend and I do? Make 'pro and con' lists? Argue? Agree to disagree? The possibilities are endless. We're probably going to have to agree to disagree in the end, though. She's definitely not changing my mind. That's for sure. *is stubborn* Haha ;P

So, to express both sides of our debate....I made banners! (I always make banners, they make me happy)One banner is Jace & Clary & the other is Simon and Clary.

Enjoy, use, respost, etc...and remember to give All Things Mortal credit where credit is due! :)





^^ Please click to view full-size! ^^

I am IN LOVE with those two banners! Took longer than usual to make, but oh so worth it!

Anyways....on a slightly different note. Last blog post, I asked for reasons why you love the Mortal Instruments series? So, "For the Love of All Things Mortal" let's see some of the reasons why the Mortal Instruments series is a kick-butt book to read! (Besides the fact that Shadowhunters kick-butt, of course, haha)



^^ Please click to view full-size! ^^

Keep sending your reasons to us either via our Twitter (@AllThingsMortal) or our e-mail (allthingsmortal@live.com)!!!

Thanks for reading! And be a part of "The Great Debate" -- Jace or Simon? You choose! Leave comments, tweet us on Twitter...I tend to like that sort of thing! ;)


Cheers,
Jackie (ATM --Admin)

For the Love of All Things Mortal!!!

Today's blog post title courtesy of my friend. It's her new thing to say: "For the Love of All Things Mortal!" Haha...I love it. :P




^^ Please click to view full-size image! ^^

Same rules apply as always for the banner. Feel free to use it, but give credit where credit is due! That's all I ask! Anyways....banner above is animated!!! Pretty neat, eh? I've been wanting to make an animated Mortal Instruments banner for a while. If I find the right pictures, I might make a Jace banner. Heheheheh.... (yes, I am biased, I'll admit it) However, I promise to make animated banner with other characters, as well. Alec, Magnus, Isabelle...so on and so on. Making Mortal Instruments banners keeps me very busy!

Also, just a reminder-- DON'T forget to vote in the poll on our sidebar! There's only 2 days left to vote! So, who's your favorite girl from the Mortal Instruments seris? Go, cast your vote! (Right now, Clary's in the lead)

And to go with today's post I thought it would be cool if you-- the readers of ATM-- send in your reasons why you love the Mortal Instruments series! You can e-mail your responses to allthingsmortal@live.com or tweet us at http://twitter.com/allthingsmortal! Really excited to read all the different reason why you guys love TMI series! And I'll definitely post some of the reasons in the next blog post!

So, for the love of All Things Mortal....what are you waiting for??? Tell us why you love The Mortal Instruments series ASAP! Lol! And, of course, please leave comments on today's post!

Cheers,
Jackie (ATM --Admin)

I Am Not Imaginatively Bankrupt!

Oh dear....it's been a while since I've updated. Shame on me! Life & a busy schedule so get in the way, tho. So, technically....not my fault. ;P

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season, and a happy new year so far! And best wishes for an amazing 2010!

For today's post, let's talk Clary. Oh how I love Clary and her kick-butt attitude. When I first started reading The Mortal Instruments series, one of the first things I noticed was how strong a character Clary is. She not afraid to say what's on her mind, and she's definitely not afraid to slap Jace-- heheheh! ;) So, in the comments, leave what you think of Clary as a character!



^^ Please click to view full-size! ^^

Also, while you're at it, why not check out a Clary wallpaper I made by clicking here!

Also, in the last post, I mentioned that my friend was reading the Mortal Instruments series, and that she didn't like Jace. Well, no surprise....but she loves Jace now. *laughs* I knew she would, bwahahaha. Let's see what she thinks after she finishes City of Glass. And maybe, if our last poll (Who is Your Favorite Mortal Instrument Guy?) was indication that a lot of people like Jace-- since Jace got the most vote. Alec was second, Simon third. That's actually my own personal order, hehe.

I'll try to get a new poll up soon....and maybe I'll be having a giveaway on this site soon. *hint* *hint*

Leave comments! You know you want to! ;P

Cheers,
Jackie (ATM --Admin)