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ember_eyes_are_for_tigers's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
- Cordelia’s is one of the best main characters I have ever read about. She has such depth and feels so real and tangible, in her wants and desires and personality traits. Her driving force is her love, I feel like, her strong connection to her family and heritage, to her friends and to James. It’s something I really admire of her character.
- I loved the pacing, although many would disagree. I enjoyed the slow pacing of the book in the beginning, describing the domesticity of the life between Cordelia and James and setting up the tension about the murders.
- Talking about the murders I really enjoyed discovering who it was, as I was certain it was Tatiana. Instead, I really enjoyed the reveal and the ending. With the reveal of Cordelia being sworn as a Paladin to Lilith (and perhaps it’s just me) but, at the moment, I do not see how troubling it must be.
Perhaps it was not emphasised enough or perhaps I simply think that Cordelia shouldn’t shy away from the power Lilith is offering, and embrace it for the time being. But, I can see how being sworn to a demon can be bad- although, I’m certain there will be a resolution so I’m not quite worried.
- Instead I’m worried about Lucie and Jesse, and Mathew and Cordelia in Paris:
On one hand I know that Paris will be a disaster and I’m certain that both Cordelia and Mathew will realise so. Mathew’s promise to remain sober will not last and I’m actually really excited to see the fallout of that and Cordelia having to realise that Mathew is far more similar to her father than she wants to believe.
On the other hand, there’s Lucie. Her arc throughout the book was so fascinating, I really enjoyed how it’s subtly shown how, as she becomes more infatuated with Jesse and more time went by, the more her morals skewed. From being against necromancy she revived her ghost boyfriend and I really enjoyed that.
I can’t wait to see the fallout of her having to face what she did and having her family and friends having to come to terms with it.
However, I will also admit that while I enjoyed the book there were certain details I wish would be different. Mostly with Anna and Ariadne/Kamala, and Filomena.
With the latter I was really excited about her character, but, she ended up dying rather soon and not really having a time to shine. Nevertheless I really enjoyed every scene she was in, although there was the scene where Cordelia and Lucie where in the training room and Filomena interrupted and later made a comment about James’ shoulders, I believe, that had me quite uncomfortable.
Another character that I was really disappointed from was Anna.
She was my favourite character in Chain of Gold, and I related so much to her in Every Exquisite Thing, as a nonbinary lesbian, but her character felt incredibly unrealistic throughout the book. The detail that most threw me off was not how she reacted to Ariadne/Kamala wanting to return into her life, but how she doesn’t acknowledge her privilege as a queer presenting white woman.
There were so many small details about her that made me furious, even the instance where she keeps the names of her “conquests” in a small book- that was such an unnecessary detail.
I hope, however, that in Chain of Thorns she will have an actual character arc. But, for the moment, I believe that Ariadne/Kamala deserves better.
I also really hope to get more scene with Alastair, he’s a really fascinating character and I’m really rooting for him (and to have some friends).
- Talking about the murders I really enjoyed discovering who it was, as I was certain it was Tatiana. Instead, I really enjoyed the reveal and the ending. With the reveal of Cordelia being sworn as a Paladin to Lilith (and perhaps it’s just me) but, at the moment, I do not see how troubling it must be.
Perhaps it was not emphasised enough or perhaps I simply think that Cordelia shouldn’t shy away from the power Lilith is offering, and embrace it for the time being. But, I can see how being sworn to a demon can be bad- although, I’m certain there will be a resolution so I’m not quite worried.
- Instead I’m worried about Lucie and Jesse, and Mathew and Cordelia in Paris:
On one hand I know that Paris will be a disaster and I’m certain that both Cordelia and Mathew will realise so. Mathew’s promise to remain sober will not last and I’m actually really excited to see the fallout of that and Cordelia having to realise that Mathew is far more similar to her father than she wants to believe.
On the other hand, there’s Lucie. Her arc throughout the book was so fascinating, I really enjoyed how it’s subtly shown how, as she becomes more infatuated with Jesse and more time went by, the more her morals skewed. From being against necromancy she revived her ghost boyfriend and I really enjoyed that.
I can’t wait to see the fallout of her having to face what she did and having her family and friends having to come to terms with it.
However, I will also admit that while I enjoyed the book there were certain details I wish would be different. Mostly with Anna and Ariadne/Kamala, and Filomena.
With the latter I was really excited about her character, but, she ended up dying rather soon and not really having a time to shine. Nevertheless I really enjoyed every scene she was in, although there was the scene where Cordelia and Lucie where in the training room and Filomena interrupted and later made a comment about James’ shoulders, I believe, that had me quite uncomfortable.
Another character that I was really disappointed from was Anna.
She was my favourite character in Chain of Gold, and I related so much to her in Every Exquisite Thing, as a nonbinary lesbian, but her character felt incredibly unrealistic throughout the book. The detail that most threw me off was not how she reacted to Ariadne/Kamala wanting to return into her life, but how she doesn’t acknowledge her privilege as a queer presenting white woman.
There were so many small details about her that made me furious, even the instance where she keeps the names of her “conquests” in a small book- that was such an unnecessary detail.
I hope, however, that in Chain of Thorns she will have an actual character arc. But, for the moment, I believe that Ariadne/Kamala deserves better.
I also really hope to get more scene with Alastair, he’s a really fascinating character and I’m really rooting for him (and to have some friends).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Alcoholism, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Stalking, Toxic relationship, and Self harm
books_with_mads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another amazing book by Cassandra Clare. The struggle Jamie is going through is enough to drive the reader forward alone. Add in a super big cast of loveable characters, including strong women. Sprinkle in some LGBTQIA+ representation too. Not to mention the characters have flaws you can see and how they deal with those over time. The magic system is interesting with many characters with very unique experiences with magic due to relation to demons or legendary swords.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence and Alcoholism
brookey8888's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Listen there needs to be more Lucie and Christopher. I really enjoyed this but the romance angst kind of annoyed me because I don’t see it on someone’s point. I really like the characters but wish there was more scenes with the OGs especially Charlotte and Henry. I love the different representation. I am excited to see what happens next because we it did end with a cliff hanger. Oh and once again I feel like Lucie and Cordelia have like no scenes together which is annoying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Biphobia, Blood, Death of parent, Death, Grief, Infidelity, Misogyny, Murder, and Violence
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I'm torn about this one because I still think the books in this particular series could use some serious editing (like most of Cassie's later books), but I think she has a knack for writing relationships. Particularly relationships that never go the way you want them to. So much pining!
There's a lot to be straightened out in the last book in this trilogy, and you know I will definitely be reading it. Even though it just feels like these books just keep getting longer and longer.
There's a lot to be straightened out in the last book in this trilogy, and you know I will definitely be reading it. Even though it just feels like these books just keep getting longer and longer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Death of parent, Death, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, and Mental illness
sunsetcity's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
So... I will be the first to admit that this book is probably way too long. This book focuses a lot on character development and feelings so there is not a lot of forward movement in the actual plot until the last third of the book. But I really love the characters in this book and I was invested in their struggles and strife, so I didn't mind the slower pace. I still love Matthew and I am so excited to see how this wraps up in the next book with the new developments and the places our characters left off at the end of this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Child death, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Murder, Toxic relationship, and Violence
gm_vak's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Homophobia, Mental illness, Miscarriage, and Violence
melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book! I love the character development so much. There was a particular plot line that I thought would have ended a little sooner, but most of it was great. I love the continuation with the Demon Prince's of Hell and everything that the gang has to do. I like that there are multiple storylines. There are so many secrets in this book, and it can be so frustrating when you just want the characters to get help!!!!
I can't wait for Chain of Thorns.
I can't wait for Chain of Thorns.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Chronic illness, Death, Death of parent, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Violence
pannonianbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
i need third book RIGHT NOW, my heart can't take this
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Death of parent, Violence, Murder, and Mental illness
lyderz_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Alright the “tagline” of this book is literally “You never forget your first betrayal” so I should have been prepared. I should have known I would not make it out of this without feeling… betrayed… but I was in fact not ready (especially for that ending). Without being spoilery, let me just say that the decisions these characters make, the secrets they keep, and the things they choose to suffer alone are so infuriating it literally makes it feel like there is a pit in my stomach. So, naturally I gave this book five stars. For me, if a book is able to incite such intense emotions and visceral reactions, then the author is doing a great job. In all seriousness, I sincerely enjoyed this book but I am so deeply invested in The Shadowhunter Chronicles at this point I'll snatch up every bit of content without a second thought. Jumping back into this universe and these storylines always brings me a nostalgic sense of joy and this book didn’t disappoint.
We have a dark and moody winter in London. We have Edwardian era fashion (I seriously had to look up what spats are). We have tea. We have a murder mystery. We have literal chess games and metaphorical ones too! What more do you need?
This book in particular felt very character driven, which I typically enjoy. There are obviously dangers driving things along, but it is so focused on the complex interpersonal relationships between the main characters that I found the mysterious murder plot secondary to all that for most of the book. It all did eventually gain momentum but I honestly thought the main showdown was a bit anticlimactic. I wanted more action, it’s strange because the threats in this book are very cosmic and impending, and yet they don’t feel very immediate. With all of that said, I understand that the vibe of this trilogy is focused on the drama, and let's be honest, that is what I am really here for. I love reading about all the social gatherings and the gossip. Every scene with the Merry Thieves all gathered together is so fun to read, I am obsessed with their group dynamics. These characters have such contradictory relationships because they are so closely entwined and care for each other so deeply and yet they can be very closed off from each other when they are struggling the most. Each have their own things going on, and their own juicy secrets as well. We got to see some new sides to these characters and I was surprised by how vastly my opinions of some of them have shifted since Chain of Gold, for better or for worse…
Like many Shadowhunter stories, the themes of this book are intensely centered around love. But in this case, we’re exploring the ways that love can be damaging. Or in the sense that harmful things can be disguised as love. We see time and time again these characters holding back, turning inward and keeping quiet because of their love rather than using it as a driving force for the goodness that they all strive for, which seems to perpetually remain out of reach. There are so many toxic and angsty things going on that it makes me want to scream but I’m looking forward to getting some resolutions in the next book, hopefully. In all honesty I’m sensing tragedy, I have some theories about what's next and I feel like I picked up on some foreshadowing. By the Angel I hope I’m wrong.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, and Murder
Minor: Blood, Death of parent, and Violence
laurraa1996's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, and Violence
Minor: Toxic relationship