The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon.What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.
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Okay, look, I’m not doing a review of this one. I think it’s time for me to start Book Thoughts, where I just have thoughts about a book, but I don’t necessarily give it a full review. Because I just have… thoughts. You know?
In this case, please beware that if you haven’t read this book, I’m bound to discuss some spoilers.
First, I have to say that this series was never all that interesting to me, but since my sister let me borrow her audiobooks, and I enjoy listening to those in my car, I listened to the series. City of Glass was a fine ending to the series, but I guess Cassandra Clare wasn’t done with these people yet, so we get three more books. I was pretty disappointed with City of Fallen Angels, partly because the story was AUGH and the narrators were awful. But I had a free copy of City of Lost Souls (not audio this time), and I’d heard it was better than CoFA, so I gave it a shot.
Next, I have to say that I hate Alec. He is my least favorite character and has been throughout the entire series. He is whiny, and acts entitled and superior. Honestly, I don’t see what Magnus sees in him. Apparently he’s good-looking but he doesn’t even dress well, always wearing the same shabby clothes. What the heck. A quarter of the way through this book, I said to my sister, “I hope Magnus breaks up with Alec. Alec doesn’t deserve him. In fact, I have no idea why Magnus even hangs out with a bunch of teenagers.” Well, let’s just say my words were ominous, and in the end I was both satisfied and annoyed. Screw you, Alec.
Also, yay for Maia and Jordan getting together, but I still think it was really freaking sudden. One minute, Maia was running away from Jordan, saying things were moving too fast, blah blah blah. Then the next thing you know, she’s sitting on his lap making out with him, and then getting into the shower with him. Manic much, Maia? I’m still not convinced they’re going to make it.
This one did have a really interesting story, overall. The house that was nowhere but could go anywhere was a really interesting concept. Also, those faerie rings that let two people communicate in their minds? Freaking COOL. I need those rings. I was quite intrigued by the dynamic/relationships being explored between Clary, Sebastian, and Jace/not-Jace. Those were definitely my favorite parts of the story. I was also surprised to see them (Magnus & company) summon both a demon AND an angel. And I was pleasantly surprised at the angel’s request, in order to give them help.
I think the most redeeming thing about this book is that the relationship between Clary and Jace actually matured a little (eventually). Even if it was kind of forced upon them. I mean, I know what it’s like to just want to jump each other all day long, but I guess I also want to see a relationship with some depth, you know? Let them grow, together. Also, it looks like Simon and Isabel are maturing, too. In fact, it seems like EVERYONE actually had to grow up a little bit in this book. Refreshing.
Anyway, overall I did like this one. It threw me a few surprises I was happy about. It was definitely better than City of Fallen Angels. Okay, I think I’m all out of thoughts on this book for now.
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More of City of Lost Souls: goodreads | amazon | official website
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