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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.
tinyhandsmcgee's review against another edition
4.0
I thought the essays were really well thought out and interesting. It made me think of the series in a new way and analyze different aspects of the story.
My favorite was the one about Simon and his Jewish/Vampire comparison.
My favorite was the one about Simon and his Jewish/Vampire comparison.
snowbenton's review against another edition
4.0
It started out super boring, admittedly, but most of the essays were fascinating studies of why we react the way we do to different elements of the Mortal Instruments, and why those books are so popular. I loved Kendare Blake and Sarah Rees Brennan's essays the most.
reginacattus's review against another edition
2.0
With hindsight, the blurb makes some sense, but before I started reading it I was under the false impression that it was a collection of short stories about shadowhunters and downworlders. It actually took quite a while for me to accept that we weren't leading up to some short stories. Nope, its actually a non-fiction collection of essays by YA authors about LGBTQ+ representation, taboos, relationships and... well, that's about it. Some of the essays were fairly interesting, and if I had gone in expecting essays... well I probably wouldn't have asked for the book in the first place but nonetheless hypothetically... I might have enjoyed it more. It was just a bit too fangirly and somewhat over-analysing what is, in general, a fairly basic series. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the MI and ID series when I first read them, but never to the point of writing essays about them.
In any case, go into this book expecting a series of glowing positive essays and make yourself a nice educated decision about whether you care enough to read this book.
In any case, go into this book expecting a series of glowing positive essays and make yourself a nice educated decision about whether you care enough to read this book.