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lucy_qhuay's review against another edition
5.0
I love to analyze in detail series I love and I love to know what other people think about said series, so it's no surprise that I loved this one.
Sharper Than A Seraph Blade, Brotherly Love, The Importance Of Being Malec and Villains, Valentine And Virtue were definitely my favourite essays.
Who doesn't love to discuss Jace's fantastic wit aka defense mechanism, his relationship with Clary, the Malec couple and Valentine Morgenstern's villainy?
Sharper Than A Seraph Blade, Brotherly Love, The Importance Of Being Malec and Villains, Valentine And Virtue were definitely my favourite essays.
Who doesn't love to discuss Jace's fantastic wit aka defense mechanism, his relationship with Clary, the Malec couple and Valentine Morgenstern's villainy?
avora's review against another edition
1.0
I'm not even sure why I skimmed through this. Sure, I found the story entertaining, but it's not so complex that it needs critical essays written about it by other YA authors. And you especially should not have to pay for them. These belong more as blog posts.
bookladysreviews's review against another edition
4.0
Shadowhunters and Downworlders was more interesting than I expected.It basically consists of essays other authors wrote about The Mortal Instruments.And Cassandra Clare introduced each essay at the beginning of it which I thought was fantastic.
I've never read an anthology before and this was an unexpected surprise,in a good way of course.First of all,it was a wonderful idea and second of all,it was extremely fun to read.I found myself enjoying it a lot and I was so excited to see what these authors thought about a series that I think affected every single one of us.Including them of course.It's really informative and if you love the Mortal Instruments series,I would highly recommend this anthology.It's definitely worth reading and finding out what other authors thought about one of the most popular and loved series.
Moving on to kind of a synopsis of each essay but nothing with too much details,just a brief summary to let you guys know what each author talks about.
*Kate Milford - Unhomely Places -> It mostly talks about falling in love with a city which in this case is New York,and discovering something worth finding.It is more than that actually and I think Kate Milford did a great job of describing the city and Cassandra Clare's work.
Go elsewhere, or find a way to survive, to belong, and, hopefully, to thrive. There isn’t a portal that can whisk you home if you’re already there, so the challenge is to understand and to adapt and to find the homely even in that which is not like home.
Sarah Cross - The Art of War -> In which she talks about Clary who can relate to anyone of us and even though everyone underestimated her at the beginning,she turned out to be more than they anticipated.She manages to do some extraordinary things throughout the books and probe to the world that she's more.
Clary saves lives—her own, and those of her friends. She draws a better world into existence, and she never lets the word impossible stop her.
In Clary’s hands, the stele is truly mightier than the sword.
Diana Peterfreund - Sharper Than a Seraph Blade -> And of course this anthology wouldn't be complete if Jace didn't make an appearance.I've always loved Jace and it's been such a long time since I read City of Lost Souls which brings me to the conclusion that this anthology made me miss the world Cassandra Clare created and the realization that I really need to re read the series.
Now there’s a scary thought. After all, Jace did warn Clary that, under Sebastian’s influence, he might “burn down the world…and laugh while he’s doing it.”
How very Jace, to make even the end of the world into a joke.
Robin Wasserman - When Laws Are Made to Be Broken -> Which is all about the Shadowhunter Society and the control the law has over it which in my opinion was super interesting.
There’s a choice after all.
There’s always a choice.
This is the lesson our heroes need to embrace before they can grow up…and before they can triumph. To win, they need to do more than just question the rules. They need to change them.
Michelle Hodkin - Simon Lewis:Jewish,Vampire,Hero -> As Cassandra Clare says in her introduction for this particular essay,this is a detailed exploration of Simon as a Jewish and a vampire.
He doesn’t let his Downworlder blood define him and embraces belief instead, even though doing so cuts him off from those who most closely resemble what he has become.
He wasn’t born to be a hero the way they were. But in holding on to his humanity throughout the physical metamorphosis that threatens to swallow it, he demonstrates more than any other character in the Mortal Instruments that it is not our blood but our actions that define who we are. And when Simon finally realizes this about himself, he finds that, for the first time since he was changed, he is able to speak the name of God.
Kami Garcia - Why the Best Friend Never Gets the Girl -> The title of this essay says it all.Simon never stood a chance with Clary
A boy falls hopelessly in love with the girl of his dreams who also happens to be his best friend, spends all his time with her, yet she still chooses another guy over him.
Only one thing is certain: Even if he’s an adorable Jewish vampire, the best friend never gets the girl.
Kendare Blake - Brotherly Love,Jace,Clary & the Function of Taboo -> In which Kendare Blake talks in depth about incest and the science behind it.She also talks about what effect it had on us readers,before the truth was revealed.Basically about how wonderfully Cassandra Clare managed to handle the particular topic without making us hate the series.If that makes any sense.
People have a tendency to want what they can’t have and to want to do what people tell them they shouldn’t.
Gwenda Bond - Asking For A Friend -> An essay which obviously talks about friendship.I loved all of the friendships/relationships between the characters and I also immensely enjoyed reading this essay since I also believe that a friendship between two people is something precious that can't be broken easily.It was such a truthful and touching essay!
Cassandra Clare never forgets how important friendships are in her characters’ lives.
Relationships are power in the Mortal Instruments, and friendship has a place of pride, treated as carefully and with the same respect as familial bonds and true love. This is a series about a family chosen, not just born.
Rachel Caine - (Not) For Illustration Purposes Only -> In which she talks about the history of tattoos and of course the Runes that are used in the books.I found this essay really interesting and most of all informative because I've always been a fan of tattoos and learning more about them was pretty cool!
I've never read an anthology before and this was an unexpected surprise,in a good way of course.First of all,it was a wonderful idea and second of all,it was extremely fun to read.I found myself enjoying it a lot and I was so excited to see what these authors thought about a series that I think affected every single one of us.Including them of course.It's really informative and if you love the Mortal Instruments series,I would highly recommend this anthology.It's definitely worth reading and finding out what other authors thought about one of the most popular and loved series.
Moving on to kind of a synopsis of each essay but nothing with too much details,just a brief summary to let you guys know what each author talks about.
*Kate Milford - Unhomely Places -> It mostly talks about falling in love with a city which in this case is New York,and discovering something worth finding.It is more than that actually and I think Kate Milford did a great job of describing the city and Cassandra Clare's work.
Go elsewhere, or find a way to survive, to belong, and, hopefully, to thrive. There isn’t a portal that can whisk you home if you’re already there, so the challenge is to understand and to adapt and to find the homely even in that which is not like home.
Sarah Cross - The Art of War -> In which she talks about Clary who can relate to anyone of us and even though everyone underestimated her at the beginning,she turned out to be more than they anticipated.She manages to do some extraordinary things throughout the books and probe to the world that she's more.
Clary saves lives—her own, and those of her friends. She draws a better world into existence, and she never lets the word impossible stop her.
In Clary’s hands, the stele is truly mightier than the sword.
Diana Peterfreund - Sharper Than a Seraph Blade -> And of course this anthology wouldn't be complete if Jace didn't make an appearance.I've always loved Jace and it's been such a long time since I read City of Lost Souls which brings me to the conclusion that this anthology made me miss the world Cassandra Clare created and the realization that I really need to re read the series.
Now there’s a scary thought. After all, Jace did warn Clary that, under Sebastian’s influence, he might “burn down the world…and laugh while he’s doing it.”
How very Jace, to make even the end of the world into a joke.
Robin Wasserman - When Laws Are Made to Be Broken -> Which is all about the Shadowhunter Society and the control the law has over it which in my opinion was super interesting.
There’s a choice after all.
There’s always a choice.
This is the lesson our heroes need to embrace before they can grow up…and before they can triumph. To win, they need to do more than just question the rules. They need to change them.
Michelle Hodkin - Simon Lewis:Jewish,Vampire,Hero -> As Cassandra Clare says in her introduction for this particular essay,this is a detailed exploration of Simon as a Jewish and a vampire.
He doesn’t let his Downworlder blood define him and embraces belief instead, even though doing so cuts him off from those who most closely resemble what he has become.
He wasn’t born to be a hero the way they were. But in holding on to his humanity throughout the physical metamorphosis that threatens to swallow it, he demonstrates more than any other character in the Mortal Instruments that it is not our blood but our actions that define who we are. And when Simon finally realizes this about himself, he finds that, for the first time since he was changed, he is able to speak the name of God.
Kami Garcia - Why the Best Friend Never Gets the Girl -> The title of this essay says it all.Simon never stood a chance with Clary
A boy falls hopelessly in love with the girl of his dreams who also happens to be his best friend, spends all his time with her, yet she still chooses another guy over him.
Only one thing is certain: Even if he’s an adorable Jewish vampire, the best friend never gets the girl.
Kendare Blake - Brotherly Love,Jace,Clary & the Function of Taboo -> In which Kendare Blake talks in depth about incest and the science behind it.She also talks about what effect it had on us readers,before the truth was revealed.Basically about how wonderfully Cassandra Clare managed to handle the particular topic without making us hate the series.If that makes any sense.
People have a tendency to want what they can’t have and to want to do what people tell them they shouldn’t.
Gwenda Bond - Asking For A Friend -> An essay which obviously talks about friendship.I loved all of the friendships/relationships between the characters and I also immensely enjoyed reading this essay since I also believe that a friendship between two people is something precious that can't be broken easily.It was such a truthful and touching essay!
Cassandra Clare never forgets how important friendships are in her characters’ lives.
Relationships are power in the Mortal Instruments, and friendship has a place of pride, treated as carefully and with the same respect as familial bonds and true love. This is a series about a family chosen, not just born.
Rachel Caine - (Not) For Illustration Purposes Only -> In which she talks about the history of tattoos and of course the Runes that are used in the books.I found this essay really interesting and most of all informative because I've always been a fan of tattoos and learning more about them was pretty cool!
yleija's review against another edition
3.0
I got this for my collection. Analyzing the books is fine but this book really isn’t a read for me. It is what it is, a part of my collection. I’m just over here waiting on chain of thorns.
radiansreads's review against another edition
5.0
Shadowhunters and Downworlders: A Mortal Instruments Reader is an in-depth collection of essays discussing the world of Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters series. We got to know more about the characters and the settings, as well as knowing what the writers thought of this series. The writers shares their views and opinions -- and a couple declarations -- about everything Shadowhunter-related, be it the place or the people itself. The distinctive writing style of these writers made it even more enjoyable. Some wrote detailed essays based on their researches, others share casual thought and speculations.
Did I mention that this book is not spoiler-free? Because there are quite a few references on the latest books. You might want to steer clear of this one if you haven’t read the latest installment. Of course, I’m not that bothered with it.
These essays actually sound close to what I would say regarding the series (if I can write as thoroughly), while also helping clear up some questions that I never got a chance to check for myself. In addition, I had the chance to discover Clare’s other writings (or side story, if you may); namely Kissed: Magnus and Alec’s First Kiss. I swear I love that. Thank you, Sara Ryan!
Most of the time I can relate with the contents. Say, for example, Unhomely Places. My experience was not about places, rather a person. I had an experience where my Biology looked younger each time I looked at her face. If I knew about the world of Shadowhunters back then I would’ve said it was the glamour distorting my view, but alas, the poor lighting took the blame.
Anywho, as a fan of the Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Much like a guidebook, it’s very thorough and straight to the point, sticking to the arguable topics that are most likely to be brought up when we mention the series.5 stars (although it wasn’t really necessary).
Did I mention that this book is not spoiler-free? Because there are quite a few references on the latest books. You might want to steer clear of this one if you haven’t read the latest installment. Of course, I’m not that bothered with it.
These essays actually sound close to what I would say regarding the series (if I can write as thoroughly), while also helping clear up some questions that I never got a chance to check for myself. In addition, I had the chance to discover Clare’s other writings (or side story, if you may); namely Kissed: Magnus and Alec’s First Kiss. I swear I love that. Thank you, Sara Ryan!
Most of the time I can relate with the contents. Say, for example, Unhomely Places. My experience was not about places, rather a person. I had an experience where my Biology looked younger each time I looked at her face. If I knew about the world of Shadowhunters back then I would’ve said it was the glamour distorting my view, but alas, the poor lighting took the blame.
Anywho, as a fan of the Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Much like a guidebook, it’s very thorough and straight to the point, sticking to the arguable topics that are most likely to be brought up when we mention the series.
poppycasgabs's review against another edition
5.0
Perfect. I feel like I understand so much more, not really. I just read a whole bunch of random things. Honestly, the chapter about incest was sooo weird. Like, really, really weird. I agree though. Don't read this if you haven't read the first 5 books of The Mortal Instruments.
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
4.0
As a fan of the philosophy of books, I enjoyed these short analyses a lot. I had trouble with TMI byt appreciate many of the characters that Cassandra Clare created. I love that they are non traditional. We need more complex characters thar accurately reflect society as a whole not just the parts we are most familiar with.
kyshakitty's review against another edition
4.0
I must say that I was wary of reading this because I am not into literary criticism. I enjoyed most of the essays though.
The first essay was really boring to me because it talks about places and geography, not my thing. That made me leery of the rest of the book. But once I got to other essays it peaked my interest once more.
The essays about friends, why the best-friend always loses, and incest were the most enjoyable. (the incest one is actually not dirty, though there is one essay that borders on dirty)
The essay on homosexuality was enjoyable and made me think. I never thought about the issues in literature that she brings up, because I have never looked for homosexuality in a book since I am straight. The essay really focuses on finding characters that each person can relate to and if you are not "normal" or mainstream then that is nearly impossible.
I am not sure how they went about choosing who would write essays, whether it was the publisher or Cassie. I think overall the mix is good and anyone who loves the Shadowhunter series will enjoy the new perspectives.
The first essay was really boring to me because it talks about places and geography, not my thing. That made me leery of the rest of the book. But once I got to other essays it peaked my interest once more.
The essays about friends, why the best-friend always loses, and incest were the most enjoyable. (the incest one is actually not dirty, though there is one essay that borders on dirty)
The essay on homosexuality was enjoyable and made me think. I never thought about the issues in literature that she brings up, because I have never looked for homosexuality in a book since I am straight. The essay really focuses on finding characters that each person can relate to and if you are not "normal" or mainstream then that is nearly impossible.
I am not sure how they went about choosing who would write essays, whether it was the publisher or Cassie. I think overall the mix is good and anyone who loves the Shadowhunter series will enjoy the new perspectives.