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blamelucy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's not complicated, but the one liners and easily bought affection for the characters will entertain you such that you come away satisfied and wanting more.
If you've read Cassandra Clare before, specifically The Mortal Instruments, you might be disappointed by the fact that it seems she has cut and paste the modern day series directly into Victorian London with only superficial adjustments to her characters. Much like what the band Scouting For Girls did with the 'Heartbeat' follow up of their 'Shes So Lovely' hit, as long as you're not expecting something totally new there is a certain amount of comfort in the familiarity.
There are characters you hear more about that you will have been hoping to hear from if you'd read any of the other novels set in Clare's Shadowhunter world, and I was satisfied with their relevance and portrayal. Likewise, if you haven't read Clare before, the series works just as well as a stand alone.
Over all, I'm glad I read it and it does what it sets out to do exceptionally well. If it ain't broke, Cassandra Clare won't fix it.
Graphic: Blood and Violence
Minor: Drug abuse
alexiab's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m honestly mad that this book was THAT entertaining. I genuinely enjoyed the characters, I remember enough of the Mortal Instruments that I could see the connections to both series with the world building, and the plot was genuinely exciting! While this definitely felt like an entire book of set up with not a ton actually happening, I still felt drawn to the story and I can see how it'll really start kicking it up a notch in the second book. I'm probably giving it more credit than it deserves because I have the nostalgia element driving my connection to the book, but it is what it is.
I’m happy to report that I still have excellent taste in fictional men and I’m still deeply in love with Jem Carstairs, but I can see myself growing to love Will very soon. He’s damaged and self sabotaging, I don’t stand a chance. I want a poly ship, this isn't fair.
While sometimes this felt like a typical YA fantasy I think it genuinely stands out with some great character depth, complicated relationships, and great surprises in the plot.
IM GONNA HAVE TO READ THE NEW ONES ARENT I? Son of a BITCH.
Graphic: Blood, Gore, and Violence
bblanka's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Violence, Death, Kidnapping, Infertility, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexism, Blood, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Death of parent and Drug use
rainbow10's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Violence
epellicci's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Gore and Violence
Minor: Addiction and Torture
cup_of_rosie's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.25
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Kidnapping, and Violence
Minor: Medical content
aklovekorn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Bullying, Physical abuse, Body horror, Death, Grief, Kidnapping, Drug use, Gaslighting, Gore, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Violence, Addiction, Blood, and Death of parent
kriti's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Violence, Addiction, Blood, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Death
sudatot's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Misogyny, Kidnapping, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Classism, Addiction, Death, Violence, Confinement, Chronic illness, War, Infertility, Drug abuse, Terminal illness, Self harm, Physical abuse, Murder, Dysphoria, Body horror, Ableism, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Drug use
Moderate: Car accident, Medical content, Sexism, Alcohol, Death of parent, Vomit, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, and Infidelity
Minor: Bullying
roselover98's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Violence