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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
I actually really liked this! I love the setting and the plot is fun and fast paced. I don't feel particularly attached to any of the characters yet but I do like Clary a lot. The writing and dialogue at times can be a bit juvenile, but I was expecting that.
But wtf is up with the surprise incest at the end?
But wtf is up with the surprise incest at the end?
I liked it, but not enough to continue the rest of the series. I think this would be a good young adult book.
Rating: 2.5 Stars.
The extra half a star is for the last two chapters, simply because after all of the absolute ridiculousness, that was a pretty decent way to end this book. I have some pretty strong feelings about this book on both an emotional level and a professional editor level. Once I find my physical copy, I'll be writing a full review and posting it here. It's much easier for me to find quotes and remind myself of events when I have a physical book in front of me.
I'll leave this on a positive note, at least: I very much enjoyed Simon's growth through this book, as well as Alec's. They're probably the only two that didn't want to make me rip my hair out in terms of development. I'm continuing this series because I know it gets better. I know this was Cassandra Clare's first book, and I know that I was massively enjoying Clockwork Prince before I realized I didn't have a damn clue what was happening, so I'm optimistic for the future.
The extra half a star is for the last two chapters, simply because after all of the absolute ridiculousness, that was a pretty decent way to end this book. I have some pretty strong feelings about this book on both an emotional level and a professional editor level. Once I find my physical copy, I'll be writing a full review and posting it here. It's much easier for me to find quotes and remind myself of events when I have a physical book in front of me.
I'll leave this on a positive note, at least: I very much enjoyed Simon's growth through this book, as well as Alec's. They're probably the only two that didn't want to make me rip my hair out in terms of development. I'm continuing this series because I know it gets better. I know this was Cassandra Clare's first book, and I know that I was massively enjoying Clockwork Prince before I realized I didn't have a damn clue what was happening, so I'm optimistic for the future.
I gave it four stars. It's a little inflated but I really liked this book. I became addicted and bought the other books immediately after finishing it. I'm not going to lie, the writing isn't great and some of the story was a bit predictable. However, I was so sucked in those things didn't bother me.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
*4.5*
"What are you thinking?" he called back to her.
"Just how different everything down there is now, you know, now that I can see."
"Everything down there is exactly the same," he said. "You're the one that's different."
SO GOOD! I read this originally back in 2016, and always wanted to read the sequels, but never had the opportunity. Rereading it now (with the intentions and will to actually continue the series), I'm happy to note that it's every bit as good as I remembered... maybe even better.
The world is so beautifully set, with so many creatures and lore that it feels real and lived in, but also extremely accessible and easy to digest (which is a big deal to me). We get to see vampires, werewolves, warlocks etc. and they feel recognizable, but still a touch unique to the world of Shadowhunters
Clary is surprisingly likable, and thankfully doesn't suffer too much from that phenomenon that was rampant in the late 00s/ early 10s, and plagued so many protags, the NLOG (not like other girls). She has a relatability to her and even though she initially doesn't get along with the other main female character, Isabelle, they grow from their preconceived notions and are friendly by the end of it (and this is just book 1).
The romance is quite good. The pacing for it was minimal, which is preferred for a series, and the three characters involved all have chemistry with each other and fun banter. Honestly I could see Clary ending up with either guy.
Definitely excited to read more of the series!!
"What are you thinking?" he called back to her.
"Just how different everything down there is now, you know, now that I can see."
"Everything down there is exactly the same," he said. "You're the one that's different."
SO GOOD! I read this originally back in 2016, and always wanted to read the sequels, but never had the opportunity. Rereading it now (with the intentions and will to actually continue the series), I'm happy to note that it's every bit as good as I remembered... maybe even better.
The world is so beautifully set, with so many creatures and lore that it feels real and lived in, but also extremely accessible and easy to digest (which is a big deal to me). We get to see vampires, werewolves, warlocks etc. and they feel recognizable, but still a touch unique to the world of Shadowhunters
Clary is surprisingly likable, and thankfully doesn't suffer too much from that phenomenon that was rampant in the late 00s/ early 10s, and plagued so many protags, the NLOG (not like other girls). She has a relatability to her and even though she initially doesn't get along with the other main female character, Isabelle, they grow from their preconceived notions and are friendly by the end of it (and this is just book 1).
The romance is quite good. The pacing for it was minimal, which is preferred for a series, and the three characters involved all have chemistry with each other and fun banter. Honestly I could see Clary ending up with either guy.
Definitely excited to read more of the series!!
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
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:
Complicated