Reviews

Stad av skuggor by Cassandra Clare

Only show reviews with written explanations

sadiecheesey's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

librarygurl's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I think my problem with this book was not, as many others people have stated, the borrowing from other works. Let's be honest, there are no original ideas anymore. I thought she had a strong original concept, I just felt there was no follow through. Clare refuses to commit to the mythology she is setting up. She relies very heavily on Judeo/Christian mythology with angels, nephilim (technically products of sex between angels and humans, not drinking from a cup), and churches. She allows Jace to make a passing reference to "other faiths" and "non-belief", but in reality she fails to connect things to any other religion. What about the Hindu deities who have been fighting demons since before Jews started talking about angels? What about Islam and Zoroastrianism? Maybe she delves deeper in the sequels, but I am probably not going to both with them anytime soon. The story ends up being so focused on Jace and Clary's relationship that the rest of the world is left as a mere sketch.

In addition, I am bored with the whole "teenagers save the world without any adult help and specifically save it from the terrible adults in their world". I am also even more tired of "teenage girl is strong, but only after a boy awakens her to said strength and then they fall in love." Regardless of the dynamic and reality of the relationship between Clary and Jace, this is what this really is. Jace, more than any other character, annoyed me as the stereotypical "I don't like anything, I rely on me, but I love you" rebel.

Aside from this it was an easy read and not the worst thing I have read. I still give it three stars because it didn't waste my time. Also, the book was so much better than the movie. WTF with the movie?

jasonphou's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

lightreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

MAGKAPATID AMPOTA ANO YON

alaina_in_wonderland's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This book was very entertaining and easy to read but the world building was just a little foggy for me however I don’t normally read fantasy.

acel96's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I'm not sure what i feel about this book.....the last few chapters blew my mind and it was just ajfjsksjdnmamakss but i'm not sure i liked the unexpected plot twist....