Title: City of Lost SoulsAuthor: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Mortal Instruments #5
Published: May 8, 2012 by Margaret McElderry
Rating:
The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.
No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?
No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?
My Review:
I couldn't even begin to imagine that this series could get better, but I am constantly impressed and entertained with where this story is heading. Clare has expertly woven a story line that magically weaves in and out of the imagination with such incredibly addicting plot lines that leaves you breathless! In City of Lost Souls the action, drama, anxiety, magic, and romance all picks up to such an extreme level that you wonder how can one book be so good?!
There were several plot lines that intermingled in this book and the reader jumps from one to another within each chapter. Although I liked giving the spotlight to the other budding relationships (Alex/Magnus, Mia/Jordan, and Isabelle/Simon) I do wish there wasn't so much hopping back and forth. It got to be a little too much at times and took away from the main couple of the story. It didn't make me like the book any less, but was just a consistent task to keep everything straight.
I did miss the normal wittiness and sarcasm from Jace in this story. Since his character was tied to Sebastian to the majority of this book Jace seemed a bit more demure and 'puppet-like'. It was definitely what Clare was aiming for, but he wasn't the boy Clary (or I) fell in love with. However, the passion and love was constantly present and leaves your heart aching for these two teens. I was surprisingly more invested in Clary for this story who has developed into a much stronger and independent heroine and finally making her own choices to save the day.
There are just so many incredible moments in this book that create such a wonderful storyline. The darkness and betrayal lurks in every corner; passion and tension in every couple; insane fighting sequences between Sebastian and Clary; and some nail biting scenes that keep you at the edge of your seat. Clare doesn't hesitate to hold back with any part of this book and it is so apparent that this story was meant to give you chills.
If you haven't read this series I am literally begging you to go out and read the first four books IMMEDIATELY. You will fall in love with this magical world and desperately wish you were a fierce, tattooed, seraph wielding Shadowhunter.
Dibs on Jace.
I haven't read the 4th book yet, but seeing all the hype surrounding this one, I feel like continuing the series.
ReplyDeleteYour review just makes me want to read it sooner. :)
Plus, I love the fact that there's tons of action, romance and drama !
Amazing review, Kristan :)
Same here, Kristan! I loved this book like crazy and I doubt that will ever change with Cassie's books, but I kind of wished there hadn't been as much hopping between character too! And this line of your review summmed up how I felt perfectly: "Jace seemed a bit more demure and 'puppet-like'. It was definitely what Clare was aiming for, but he wasn't the boy Clary (or I) fell in love with." E-X-A-C-T-L-Y! I missed old snarky Jace <3
ReplyDeleteStill, it was an AWESOME installment to an AWESOME series and this was an AWESOME review! I'm so glad you loved it, Kristan -- now we only have to wait another year until we can find out how it all ends! :')
Interesting review. I used to love this series too, but for some reason, the last couple books in this series has fallen short for me, and I lost all interest. Glad you liked it though :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by,
@ Livin' Life Through Books
I really liked this book as well! The 4th one wasn't my favorite of the series by far, so I was a little nervous that I was going to be disappointed by this book. But I ended up really liking it! I agree about all the plots, though, because there were just SO many to keep up wit. Overall, I'm glad that you enjoyed this one, like I did. =) Great review!
ReplyDelete-Aneeqah @ My Not So Real Life
Awesome review!! I am really behind on this series and I still need to read book four..but once I do I can't wait to read this one!! I especially like the cover as well :D
ReplyDeleteAaah puppet-like!? I love Jace's witty humor it's my favorite part of the series. :( I still want to read it though I'm super curious even though I wasn't a huge fan of the 4th book. I feel like she won't stop on this series until it's been destroyed though. No stopping while you're ahead with her *eye roll* :)
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