City of Bones | 5/5
I got to say, I've heard so much about this book being so great and all, that I've decided to give it a chance. *coughes* PolandBananasBOOKS (Youtube) *coughes*
And then I bought it, and as soon as I started reading it, I keep having these doubts. What if I don't like? Its not like disappointing anybody but myself though, but still, I can't quite kick the doubts out of my head, until literally the end, when things went CRAZYYYY.
First things first, it was the POV that gave me the highest amount of doubt, lol. I was so used to reading First person POV's that shifting viewpoint after a long time seem rather scary. But Cassandra Clare worked it out, even more - superbly!!! The humor was there, and I find myself smiling/laughing in between pages! Don't even let me start with Jace... *^_^* <- That's me blushing (:
I was trying to figure out how it might end - which I do in all books I read - and I got myself confused while reading. It was one dilemma of mine I don't recommend. Honestly I have somewhat guessed most of the big events, but I still found myself unexpectedly surprised - you know, taking a halt from reading to catch my breath - and I guess that's how much a great writer Clare is. As a reader, you have these kind of visions. You sometimes wonder as you imagine where the story might lead. We all anticipate sometimes, but it is how the writer can still make you swear as she finally unwraps all the twists and turns, that makes you gasp for air.
In the end, the book left me with a slight anger to myself, for digging in instead of plain enjoying the book, lol and the frustrated possibility of missing out any disguised hints (like Clare did a lot of times on the book) to convince myself that Clary and Jace aren't at all ....... - you know..... (of course you won't know unless you read it yourself!)
Though I would argue that my memory can't hold more terms than those I'm required to learn from school. And most of the demon names and such from City of Bones, I have forgotten the moment I slept through the night. So not cool. It might take a while before I memorize them all from the heart. That means I must read the 2nd book now!!! Sometimes, it gets hard to imagine some of the glamour Clary would see, or maybe I'm too lazy to paint them all descriptively, so I guess the movie can help!!
I am so excited!!!
(PS this review is all over the place, lol. I didn't have time to organize my thoughts.)
City of Ashes | 5/5
Ok second book, what to say?
First I want to say that I can't pick which among this book (City of Ashes) or the City of Bones did I like better, since most people have that tendency to compare every other book from the series (which I do sometimes, but TMI's an exception). I guess its safe to say that I liked them merely the same.
Ok, so after the first book, I'm still quite torn with the fact that Clary and Jace cannot, technically speaking, be together. And I didn't like the fact that Simon and Clary 's hitting it off. Its like taking advantage of the opportunity wtf. Don't get me wrong. I do like Simon. I think he's an amazing friend and has been a great companion to Clary over the years. I also think he's cute and all, but not for Clary I say. Probably because Jace has completely drugged me with his charm and humor.
This book had a lot of revelations especially the mix-up with Simon's character. I liked the fact the Cassandra Clare not only included several creatures in this book to participate (Downworlders like Vampires, Faeries, Werewolves, and even Warlocks) but also gave us the chance to get to know each. I also liked the fact that Cassandra Clare let her readers dive in to the world of Faeries even for a short while. And also a little bit of Vampire tradition.
The Inquisitor pissed me off really bad, obviously, but what she did at the end was very heroic, also very confusing and suspicious. It seems to me like there's more to it than guilt towards Jace. If only he let her speak what's on her mind, maybe we'll know. And there's a part of me that says it got something to do with Jace's identity, maybe the truth behind Valentine's lies - still ain't giving up hope here, as I still believe one way or another Valentine had lied to either Clary or Jace.
I liked that Clary and Jace had realized what they can do, and it totally spun off the series. I like badass protagonists after all.
Magnus Bane really impressed me on this book, as I'm beginning to like him. His relationship with Alec kind of made me feel relieved, since Alec has finally found someone else to stick around with. (STAY AWAY FROM MY JACE! LOL)
The character of Maia mislead me in all ways, since she was introduced. I thought she was after trouble (ONCE AGAIN, STAY AWAY FROM MY JACE!) but later on it turned out she wasn't after Jace at all. And I wonder what happened to her after the ship incident.
I liked the part when Simon finally let Clary free, but despised it the moment Jace did too. Like WTF! They were so close!!!
As usual, the demon names and weapon names, didn't stuck to me. I'm so bad with terms, but I don't think its essential much to go on with the series.
As expected, and loved, humor did me good on this book. I loved it!! I love the sarcasm and all as I find it attractive in a male character.
Among all amazing quotes, I say these two were my favorites:
"Look," Luke went on, "In all the years I've known him, there's always been exactly one place Simon wanted to be, and he's always fought like hell to make sure he got there and stayed there."
"Where's that?"
"Wherever you were."
AND
"To draw something is to try to capture it FOREVER, if you really love something, you never try to keep it the way it is forever. You have to let it be free to change"
-----
The last character introduced on the book, at the epilogue, was a sudden twist though. Who is she? And how among all possible ways can Jocelyn ever regain consciousness? Only one way to find out...
CITY OF GLASS :)
City of Glass | 5/5
Among the first three books from The Mortal Instruments series, I say this is my favorite. Its intense, and simply just breathtaking. The entire book I was at the edge of my seat.
Clary is drawn to taking crazy risks. And at the beginning of the book, I was nervous for her, even guilty. But I admire her guts, for if it was me, I would have remained safe - untouched - coward. Then I have to wonder if I was Clary on the book, since I usually play safe, I would probably end up one of the bad guys. Infact, I would probably hide behind Valentine, my father, where I am safe. So Clary, I envy you, truly.
City of Ashes left off with Madeliene, and I was expecting a dose of her on City of Glass, but yeah, I didn't. Not much of a big deal though.
Sebastian's character was very misleading. Prior to reading this book, somehow I knew Sebastian's real identity, but nowhere did I figured out how it all connects. So when the real story - the truth - came out, I found myself nodding at every page.
Sebastian and Clary went off to an awkward spin, but fortunately I didn't find myself totally grossed out. I figured Sebastian was probably just making fun of her.
The first attack of the demons at Idris, I was so worried Cassandra Clare would kill someone from the main characters. Thank God she didn't, though there was still that one loss, which I find myself rather satisfied. Anyway, if nobody actually dies, it seems too unrealistic.
I liked the parts when Magnus Bane just show up out of random places on this book. And his character always occur to me as cool and well contained.
I liked the part when Clary and Jace went to the Wayland's manor and ended up discovering something more. I find myself gasping for air when they discovered that an angel was trapped there and was probably tortured for years. The secrets it contained was so intense. Somehow I pitied the angel, and at the same time I was amused by it. I didn't expect a cameo of an angel at all. Not of one, and especially not two.
When Jace went to see Sebastian, and had to find out the real truth regarding his identity, I find myself feeling sorry for him. Though I expected his connection with Imogen from the moment she saved his life in City of Ashes. His life was so confusing, and he had probably grown exhausted of it all. But still, he had to accept it, and thus, come with a good price. He ends up being with Clary - finally.
The end scene at Lake Lyn with Valentine, Clary, and Jace was horrifying. Though I find it semi-comforting when Valentine finally spoke to Clary as if he really was her father, and I couldn't believe it when he almost killed Clary.
When Jace came to the rescue, I had expected what had happened, as well as the Angel reviving him. But what the angel did to Valentine, that I didn't see coming.
Now of course, since Sebastian's body wasn't found, it is obvious that he'll be coming back for revenge, right? Can't be too sure though.
My favorite part of this book is the epilogue. It was nice to savor a little bit of peace. And its nice to see the tension gone between characters. Jocelyn's return didn't struck me that much, for I expected more from her, but I guess that's what knowing the truth from her point of view is for.
City of Fallen Angels | 5/5
I have super high expectations with this book, since City of Glass ended exceptionally well, and still remains my favorite from the series.
Few chapters off this book, Simon's POV kind of pissed me off. I mean I was never really into his character on the first place. And I found myself longing for more Clary-Jace moments, which this book gladly denied us during the first few chapters. And then gradually we find out why. There was a reason, and its horrible. Its torture. And I pitied Jace so much I was torturing myself too.
And then came new characters. First is Kyle who ended up being Jordan. I say my reaction to his role was neutral. But I like that he and Jace were hitting it off. And then came Lilith whose character was so unexpected. I did not see her coming, especially how she originated from the creation story. That was a wild twist of biblical facts!
I kind of missed Alec on this book too, so I was glad Cassandra included him still at the end part. His relationship with Magnus, after four books, I finally began to admire. Not that I was against it really, but now I really do appreciate it.
And the Shadowhunter deaths
and the terrible events happening following the Mortal War - I only thought of one plot master - the body that was never found... Sebastian. But everytime they get close to finding out the mastermind I find myself anticipating to find out how he lived and how he was doing it. But he didn't show up not until the end, so I thought maybe he really was dead. So I settled on Camille's character, and then we found out she was being controlled, and was like , "Wtf? Who is it behind the curtain?" over and over while going through the book.
In the end, I learned to appreciate Simon's character more. I guess Cassandra made the right choice with bringing us more of Simon's POV.
The end part was a cliffhanger, more than any of the previous books. There was no epilogue so there's no conditioning myself to lie low. Agony. And now I must seek the next book.
City of Lost Souls | 5/5
I was so excited for this book, I prolonged the reading process just so I can enjoy it more. What happened to that is I really had to push myself so bad, I ended up skipping a few sentences.
I was hesitant too because Jace was basically MIA during the first pages. Oh how dreadful, since my favorite parts were always with Jace. And the fact that he and Sebastian are one and the same....? Damn, its torture. But still, its still one heck of a book to miss for TMI.
Maia's character didn't really struck to me, and I don't know why. I just can't bring myself to care much with her relationship with Jordan. So I mainly skipped their scenes. (Not good!) I like Jordan though, and I think he could be Jace's bestfriend. lol So yeah, but I'm happy for them both anyway...
Sebastian's character was given more emphasis in this book, since Valentine is gone anyway. And I don't care if he's the villian but there's a part of me driven in his loop. HAHA
Simon's character was a great twist in the book, and I seem to be liking him more and more. *coughes* Izzy and Simon *coughes*
I feel the 'Malec' dilemma though. And their last conversation was too depressing. Oh Magnus!!!! Please don't to this!!! Kudos to his character too. I feel like at least the 'Team Good' should all organize a party themed 'Thanksgiving to Magnus' lol He has helped so much, damn too much even!
Clary, once again, saves the day and damn girl! I really admired her courage at the end, when she took the greatest risk there can ever be. What if the result was the otherwise? HAHA Poor Jace then. But perhaps poor Jace all together, since he's yet again wrapped in another tragic mystery. Why do you always do this with Jace???????? Hasn't he have enough.
I'm kind of excited though on how Sebastian will avenge. Whatever he plans, I expect that it will surely blow me away. Now another year of waiting just to find out....
Talk about AGONY
PS. Who's excited for CoB? I AM! :)
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