Thursday, April 29, 2010

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare



CITY OF BONES (The Mortal Instruments Series #1)
Written by: Cassandra Clare
Titles in Series: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass and City of Fallen Angels to be released March 31, 2011
Publication date: March 27, 2007
Released in Paperback

5 stars

Synopsis: When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder. Much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with odd markings. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons - and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line. It's also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in an ordinary mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

How I Came to Read This: I had just finished reading Twilight shortly before picking up this series and Stephenie Meyer was quoted on the cover of City of Bones as saying, "The Mortal Instruments series is a story world that I love to live in. Beautiful!". So when I saw these books on the shelves, I stared at them for a long time. Read the back cover over and over, debating if I really wanted to get into it. I would leave the store without buying them several times before I finally caved. I never expected to fall in love with this series so much so, that it almost beat Twilight out of the top spot!!

My Review: First, there is a complicated love triangle - which, let's face it, is always fun to watch - between Clary, Jace and Simon. I felt that all of the characters were fun and quickly loveable! Clary Fray, the main character, is 15 and from time to time behaved as such. She would often make rash decisions, putting herself and her friends in danger. I guess that's all part of the drama though, huh? If everyone always acted rationally, then who would have all the fun?? Although at times it annoyed me, I understood her motives. She willingly put herself at risk for the sake of others. She was brave at times and knew how to act under pressure. The other main character, Jace, I have to admit, is my favorite. It isn't really hard to understand why. He's hot, first and foremost, but he's also self-sacrificing, brave and sarcastic! Oh, and he definitely kicks butt! The other main character, Simon, was just delightful. Another master of sarcasm. I can't wait to read more about him in City of Fallen Angels. This book focuses on Simon but also incorporates more of Clary and Jace. Or at least I hope so!



CITY OF ASHES (The Mortal Instruments Series #2)
Publication date: March 25, 2008
Released in Paperback

Synopsis: Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? Clary would love to spend more time with her best friend, Simon. But the Shadowhunters won't let her go - especially her handsome, infuriating newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil - and also her father. When the second of the Mortal Instruments is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor suspects Jace. Could Jace really be willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

My Review: I enjoyed watching Clary come into her own. She's young and inexperienced but has just as much heart as any other Shadowhunter. This sequel, like the others, had plenty of action and twists and turns. Clary is learning about where - and whom - she came from. She doesn't know who to trust or believe as she's been lied to her whole life. She continues to struggle with her feelings for the man that is proved to be her brother, and her best friend. It's an interesting love triangle and one that forces Clary to choose not only between the two men in her life, but what her life would become by choosing either one.



CITY OF GLASS (The Mortal Instruments Series #3)
Publication date: March 24, 2009
Released in Hardcover

5 stars

Synopsis: To save her mother's life Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

My Review: This book had so much information, it was almost hard to keep up; but it added to the suspense of the series. I couldn't put it down because I was always trying to guess what was going to happen next, what else what going to be revealed. This one ties together everything that is foreshadowed throughout and always throws in a little something extra. There's a little something for everyone; fighting, magic, love and humor. Lot's of humor!

Who Should Read This: I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for the next series to fall in love with. If you're tired of everyone ranting and raving about Twilight, then read City of Bones, and get everyone talking about that instead! It isn't heavy on the vampires or werewolves, though they do play a role. Instead, you find yourself falling for the ever mysterious Shadowhunters!

2 comments:

ashley said...

Hmm I started reading these books because I was tired of hearing about Twilight and needed something new to read lol but I really enjoyed them. I also thought that City Of Glass was a bit too overloaded with info but I guess since it was the original closer its fine.

I have so much love for Jace but not so much for Simon but maybe CoFA will change that, great series review thanks for sharing.

I Live In A Fictional World said...

I started reading this series because I was looking for something equally captivating as Twilight! Funny how Twilight leads to great things!

Thanks Ashley!

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