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The Mortal Instruments #5

City of Lost Souls

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What price is too high to pay, even for love? Plunge into fifth installment in the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series and “prepare to be hooked” (Entertainment Weekly)—now with a gorgeous new cover, a map, a new foreword, and exclusive bonus content! City of Lost Souls is a Shadowhunters novel.

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.

536 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2012

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About the author

Cassandra Clare

197 books273k followers
Cassandra Clare was born to American parents in Tehran, Iran and spent much of her childhood travelling the world with her family, including one trek through the Himalayas as a toddler where she spent a month living in her father’s backpack. She lived in France, England and Switzerland before she was ten years old.

Since her family moved around so much she found familiarity in books and went everywhere with a book under her arm. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles where she used to write stories to amuse her classmates, including an epic novel called “The Beautiful Cassandra” based on a Jane Austen short story of the same name (and which later inspired her current pen name).

After college, Cassie lived in Los Angeles and New York where she worked at various entertainment magazines and even some rather suspect tabloids where she reported on Brad and Angelina’s world travels and Britney Spears’ wardrobe malfunctions. She started working on her YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan, her favourite city. She turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006 and hopes never to have to write about Paris Hilton again.
Cassie’s first professional writing sale was a short story called “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord” in a Baen anthology of humor fantasy. Cassie hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines.

City of Bones was her first novel. Sword Catcher is her most recent novel.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 24,967 reviews
Profile Image for Roohdaar.
165 reviews1,935 followers
July 1, 2017
Beware of spoilers!

I didn't see a point to this book. Clare really should have ended her series at City of Glass. We all know that. Well, all of us who are not fans of Clare's work. However, since this book was 534 freaking pages, I figured that I should talk about a few things.

Clace
So these two are one person. I honestly don't see them as two separate characters sometimes because they are so similar and shitty. We never really get to experience these characters as themselves, rather they are always together. However, for now let's separate these two just to save us all from the confusion.

CoFA and CoLS were all about Jace. I don't even think Clary should have been the protagonist in these books. Jace and his luscious golden hair, smooth skin, and amber eyes. I mean, three books clearly weren't enough to describe his heavenly features. I'm sure the readers are fully aware of his physical features by now.

So this whole real Jace/evil Jace concept was confusing the hell out of me. The evil Jace wasn't even evil. In fact, I thought the evil Jace was the real one. Because he was a piece of shit. He would make those incredibly Jace-like haughty remarks about how perfect and desirable he was. Jace would not survive in the real world with that arrogant attitude, which is why he's fictional. Thank God. Anyway, I don't get it. All those times they cut each other open with their bare hands made out, Clace was like, "Oh, that wasn't the real Jace. Oh, I didn't want our first time to go like this because I'm not the real Jace."

And this one time when they were finally about to have sex, but they didn't because they needed to whine and moan more:

I'm jealous.
Of who?
Myself. I hate the thought of him being with you. The other me. The one Sebastian controls.


That's such terrible, ugly writing.

I am so sick of Clace. I am so sick of Jace being overly proud of himself. I am so sick of Clary practically worshiping Jace and finding every excuse to justify his shitty behavior and actions. Their scenes are so terribly written. There are pages of them talking about how they would do anything for each other. How they love each other. Pages of their cringey romance.

By the way, I wasn't kidding when I said they wanted to cut each other open with their bare hands. Don't believe me?

He kissed her harder and she clutched his shoulders as he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth and bit down on it, sending a shock of pleasure mixed with pain through her body. She squirmed to get closer to him and felt his breath quicken; she could taste blood in her mouth, salt and hot. It was as if they wanted to cut each other apart, she thought, to climb inside each other and breathe each other’s breath and share each other’s heartbeats, even if it killed them both. There was blood under her nails where she had clawed his back.

Just terribly written and overdone.

Also, read this sentence.

A soft explosion went off in her head, like a dull firework of rage.

In Clare's mind, explosions are soft and fireworks are dull.
Profile Image for Jesse (JesseTheReader).
559 reviews178k followers
March 4, 2016
Here's the deal.. this book was SLOW TO THE BONE, but the end result was worth the SLOWNESS. It just took forever and a day to get to the really interesting parts. I definitely liked this a lot more than City of Fallen Angels. I'll admit though after reading TID, nothing will compare to the beautifulness of that trilogy.
Profile Image for Candace.
1,179 reviews4,802 followers
September 15, 2016
Where I was disappointed with 'City of Fallen Angels', 'City of Lost Souls' definitely made up for it! I'm glad that I didn't hang it up after the last book and kept pushing forward with the series. This fifth book was full of action and suspense.

This time around, Jace is under the influence of Sebastian, the guy we all love to hate. Clary is kind of along for the ride, hoping she can break through to Jace. Meanwhile, Sebastian just keeps getting creepier and creepier.

For the most part, Jace seems lost. He's kind of like Sebastian's "Stepford wife"/groupie. He seems entirely possessed with his adoration of all things Sebastian. It takes bromance to a whole new level.

However, being the diehard that she is, Clary refuses to give up on Jace. She focuses on the brief moments of clarity that he has in the midst of his mental enslavement. She knows that the real Jace is still in the shell that he is now.

Meanwhile, back at camp "good", Simon, Magnus, Alec and all of the others, work on a way to fire Jace. There is plenty of action taking place on that front as well. Simon seems to be patching up his romantic relationship, while Alec seems to be wreaking havoc in his.

I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that I enjoyed the time with Jace and Clary. Finally, they get to spend some time together...even if it isn't always the "real" Jace. It may have taken five books, but things finally heat up between the two.

Overall, this was another great book in the series. Things have definitely picked up and I'm mentally preparing for the good vs. evil showdown that is bound to happen in the final book. I'll be starting the sixth, and final, book immediately.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,222 reviews102k followers
September 16, 2018
1.) City of Bones ★★★
2.) City of Ashes ★★
3.) City of Glass ★★★
1.) Clockwork Angel ★★★
4.) City of Fallen Angels
2.) Clockwork Prince ★★★★

“But Heaven will not help you; you know that as well as I. That is why men summon demons and not angels, is it not?”

Yeah, this is easily my favorite book in The Mortal Instruments, so far. I think one of the biggest reasons I enjoyed City of Lost Souls so much was because it is told through so many of the side character’s point of view, some of which we have never seen before. Also, a vast majority is told through Simon’s perspective which is all I truly want anyways.

I also actually thought this book had good twists and turns, too. I was impressed so many times while reading, and I truly never wanted to put this 500+ page book down, which says something all on its own. Like, I see some reviews saying that this book was slow, but I didn’t feel like that at all. And like… did these people read the mess that is City of Fallen Angels? Lord, help me.

Okay, my review is going to touch on a couple key things that happened in this book and things that have happened in previous books, so please use caution reading the rest of this review if you have not read this book and its predecessors! And as always, I’m going to do a little mini character breakdown on my thoughts and feelings on all the main characters in this book.

Jace - I still very much dislike Jace, but he was a bit more bearable in this book. Probably because he was barely in it, and when he was he was being halfway possessed or whatever.

Clary - Clary was actually the one to annoy me in this book. Especially after reading about Tessa; Clary is just not that great of a character. And so many of the choices she made in this book were beyond questionable. I get that she loves Jace, but the world is a lot bigger than Jace Herondale, Lightwood, Morgenstern, Voldemort, what the fuck ever he wants to be called.

Simon - Simon is my second favorite character in all things Shadowhunters, I think. I know he messed up big in City of Fallen Angels, and I will call him out for it all day long, but he really had a pure and sweet redemption arc in this, that I think was handled very healthily and very realistically. And my otp are living their best lives. Bless.

“Okay. I’ve got a good one.” Simon stroked Isabelle’s hair, feeling her lashes flutter against his neck as she closed her eyes. “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…”

Isabelle - Here is the real tea: I think Izzy is my favorite character in this entire universe. Like, every book I fall more and more in love with her. And in City of Lost Souls, seeing her learn what it means to be vulnerable and that it is okay… friends, I have a lot of feelings. And seeing her finally take down her walls and give her heart away to someone who she deems as worthy? More beautiful than words.

Magnus - I love this character so much. Him realizing his worth and value at the end of this book? It meant everything to me. I feel like Alec has constantly been treating him like shit, honestly. But he went way too far in this one, and I’m so happy that Magnus realized he didn’t deserve that kind of abuse. Even though I know they are totally going to get back together, let’s be real. But this time it will be on more equal ground. Oh, and I want to know everything about his father immediately!

Alec - This is actually the first book that I didn’t hate or borderline hate Alec, which is funny because he almost did a hella bad thing in this book. But I think it’s because Cassie opened up the storylines and allowed us to see behind the eyes of some of the side characters in this book. And I think that very much benefitted Alec.

Luke - I always and forever will love Luke and his unconditional love towards so many characters in this world. But…

Jocelyn - Jocelyn was highkey annoying as hell in this book. Like, I get she’s upset that she birthed a demon or whatever, but hearing her talk about wishing to kill her baby in the crib and stuff really wasn’t enjoyable to read. And like, she always tries to be so strict, after just being so lenient. I don’t know, I just really didn’t like her in this book.

Aline - I said in my review for City of Glass, “Is this a new queer and Asian character” because your girl was hyped. And then she comes into this book in a f/f relationship? The blessing. Wow. How perfect.

Maia & Jordan - I will talk more about them below, but they were one of the things I disliked most about this book. Miss me with abuse apologist storylines forever, please.

“Of course, not thinking about the ex-boyfriend who had broken your heart and turned you into a werewolf was a lot easier when he wasn’t standing right in front of you, wearing a green shirt that hugged his leanly muscled body in all the right places and brought out the hazel color of his eyes.”

Seelie Queen - Still one of my favorites, but Clary still playing with fire. I need so much more from her and her court.

“The Fair Folk are an old people; we do not make hasty decisions but first wait to see in what direction the wind blows.”

Camille - I don’t believe it for a second.

Maureen - But if true; damn, girl!

Sebastian - Like, I honestly did like him as a character until he got all unnecessarily incestuous! But I love his motive, I love him coming back from the dead, and I loved this magical, moving apartment. Again, I think he’s a really strong villain who made me really think about his motives, until the end when shit just got gross.

“You know he doesn’t remember any of it, right? Did he show you a good time, at least? Because I would have.” She tasted bile in her throat. “You’re my brother.” “Those words don’t mean anything where we’re concerned. We aren’t human.”

Okay, I really didn’t want to write this paragraph, but I feel like I have to. The one thing that really bothered me about this book is Cassie Clare’s constant use of incest as a threat and/or just as a storyline. I thought finally, after City of Glass, we were past this, but now with Sebastian coming back, she just doubled-down on the incest. Even in Clockwork Prince I felt like the Tessa going undercover to trick Nate and pretend to be his lover and was gross and unnecessary. But City of Lost Souls is the worst use of incest “angst” yet. And I still feel really gross about the things that Clary did with Jace while Sebastian was in control or whatever. I mean, on top of the fact that he actually attempts to rape her, too. Friends, it’s a hot mess. A really gross, skeezy, uncomfortable hot mess.

“There are worse things than dying,” he said. “And I will do them all to you, little sister, once you’ve drunk from the Cup. And you will like it.”

The only other thing that really bothered me was actually the main reason I one starred City of Fallen Angels; Maia and Jordan are a romance I will never get behind. And in City of Lost Souls their relationship is really magnified. Abuse apologists’ storylines need to be canceled, and they are never okay; not in 2018 and not back in 2010. I’m not here for a Jordan redemption arc and I never will be. And this book really put the band-aid on everything Maia was forced to go through, but Jordan is “so hot” and looks “so good in tight shirts” how could she resist all that good sex from the hands of her abuser? And I felt like he even forced her into a relationship, since he refused to be her friend ONLY something more. Brb, throwing up forever.

“You won’t be my friend.” “I won’t be just your friend. I love you, Maia. I’m in love with you. I always have been. I always will be. Just being your friend would kill me.”

Overall (and besides those two things), I really enjoyed this book and I found it actually difficult to put down. I also believe that this is Cassandra Clare’s best written work yet. The style just felt so much more cohesive and the story felt so much more compelling. This was also the first book that felt like it had a lot of plot and intricate things happening constantly. And there were so many small nods at Clockwork Prince that warmed my heart so very much. Friends, this was really fun book to read, but I can’t wait to (probably, based on all your reactions) get my heart shattered with Clockwork Princess

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Content and trigger warnings for sexual content, incestuous storylines, assault, attempted rape, abandonment, abuse, parental abuse, murder, death, violence, gore, blood depiction, self-harm, and war themes.
Profile Image for Chelsea Humphrey.
1,487 reviews82.4k followers
January 16, 2019
Alright, you guys were right. This one was slightly better than book 4, so I'm expecting big and amazing things from book 6!
Profile Image for Tharindu Dissanayake.
300 reviews809 followers
September 5, 2022
It's over! It's finally over!!! Saying this had been a painfully boring reading experience is a massive understatement. From first three MI books, then to the ID trilogy, followed by Red Scrolls of Magic and back here to the second half of MI, is not something that I ever wanted to put myself through again, with the exception of Red Scrolls.

Honestly, I had very little expectations after City of Fallen Angels and only two things kept me going: to see how it'll all end and those fun parts with Isabelle and Simon. The overwhelming romance remained the main theme and the actual fantasy elements became quite minor. By the time I make it to the fifth book, I was skipping entire chapter that are only full of repetitive romance.

As I'm ending this sixth and last MI book, I suddenly realized how good Cassandra Clare's writing is (no sarcasm). It is very clear, highly readable and took almost no effort in maintaining a steady flow. It also must have been a reason for perpetuating me from one book to the other despite not enjoying all the love triangles and stuff.

Once again, I'm doing a common review for all three books as there's very little to separate them.
Profile Image for Emelie .
331 reviews
December 11, 2020
Update 12-05-21, finished reading: Wow. Absolutely 'wow'. Spectacular. City of Heavenly Fire, I'm coming for you...
Profile Image for Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten).
1,601 reviews211 followers
Want to read
January 2, 2014
*sobs* May!?!? 2012?!? May 2012?!?
*sobs some more* This cannot be! Really! It's like....too long! Too, too long!
I NEEEEEEEEEEED THIS BOOK! How can Cassandra Clare do this to me--ahh, I mean us! I need this book, like yesterday!

I don't know how I'm going to wait this long!

*sobs, wails, bawls some more.....*
Profile Image for Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin.
3,610 reviews11.1k followers
January 16, 2017
If I could have won the lottery for every time I wanted to smack people in this book, I would have an infinite amount of money right now. But, I digress.



Welcome to the world of magic and twats. Just kidding :-D I love all of the characters even though I want to smack them at times.

I don't care what anyone thinks but I don't think that Simon and Isabelle should be a couple. I know it has the whole, let's everyone in the group be with someone vibe going, but I just don't see them as a couple. Can't anyone just be single?

Magnus Bane is the coolest one of all and that's just a fact.

 :

And can people and things just quit coming after Jace! I mean for shite's sake, we just got out of one mess with him and into another one. He's not himself in this book for reasons. Clary's good ole brother Sebastian is back and buddies with Jace. It's so not a good thing. Clary gets sucked into their world and all kinds of crazy stuff is going down with them.

I really love Jordan and Maia, that's all I have to say about them. They are both good people and werewolves.

There are several bad to the bone moments that I loved! From angels to demons and a crazy vampire kid on a rampage. Although one thing she did, classic! Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!

Alec made me mad at what he wanted to do to Magnus. I thought, "dude are you for real?"

So, I wonder what the scooby gang is going to go through in the final book. I dread things that might be coming!

MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
Profile Image for Baba.
3,875 reviews1,359 followers
January 8, 2023
The Mortal Instruments book No. 5: Jace has gone missing and when heh turns up Clary and the entire Shadowhunter and Downworlder reality is under threat! Stoic brother and sister Alec and Isabelle are playing with fire in their love lives. And what to do about Maureen and Jordan? On top of all this Simon maybe indestructible but at some point, he will have to tell his family about his condition.

Similar to the other books in the series, an intriguing constructed reality filled with multiple interesting story arcs, marred by the book being so deeply tied to the romantic liaisons; still a worthwhile read though :-) …and I definitely want to find out how it all ends! I should also point out that this book has some pretty dark themes around how someone completely truly evil would behave. Three Star, 7 out of 12

2023 and 2017 read
May 25, 2017
4 Two sides of Jace

 photo cropped-jace-and-clary-shadowhunters_zpseafhdrrb.jpg

*Spoilers*

This one was much better than the last one. Lots of action. Jace and Clary still can't catch a break. Really the span of the whole series they are apart pining for each other with like a few weeks here and there that they can actually be together. Teenage angst at it's highest. I really wish she would have let them be together a little more in this series. I understand it's a ya series but if you want them to be this awesome powerfully connected couple that you just can't forget then they actually have to be a couple for a little bit of time. Just sayin'! I think they were together more in this book then in the last 4 but it was still tainted since Jace wasn't really Jace. I was glad that Clary started to finally kick some ass. She has been pretty wimpy standing around while everyone fights and gets hurt in the last 4 books. This one she was trained and kicking ass with the best of em. Loved Simon even more in this book. He is such a great guy and brave. I just wish him and Izzy would get together they have such a strong connection. I was so glad Simon's sister didn't turn her back on him like his mother. I was so disappointed in Alec. I don't know what the hell was going through his mind in this book but he was way over the line. I don't blame Magnus at all for ending things with him. Although that break up scene was so heartbreaking.

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I don't really know how I feel about Maia and Jordon. Jordon I think is great and Maia too but I don't really feel it with them together Idk. Sebastian was gross, creepy and evil all in the same breath. Jocelyn truly gets on my nerves. She is the most unsupportive mom ever. I get so mad that she doesn't like Jace she doesn't even give him a chance. No wonder Clary runs off and does shit herself her mom is an over the top bitch that lies, treats her like she is 2 and doesn't like the love of Clary's life. Poor Luke, losing his sister getting stabbed and almost dying. I'm really liking Brother Zachariah, but I wonder why he seems to want to help Jace so much. Is there some connection there? Was it just me or was everyone else happy to see Magnus's ex Camille bit it too! I'm on to the last one and I can't wait to see how things end!
Profile Image for Saniya.
360 reviews872 followers
Want to read
November 26, 2012
FUCK. GOD DAMN AMAZING TRAILER! I can't, I just can't breathe right now. O.O <3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_FUJU...
"And I am going to burn down the world."
*Crying* My Man, my man. :'D


Scrolling down as usual on facebook. Lalala, nothing interesting.
*Cover passes*
lalal -Dramatic pause- "WTH? Did I jus-" *Scrolls up!*



"OMG OMG OMG" The cover! xD <3
(LOL! I just love the man in the pic)

Ok. Maybe, just maybe I was expecting Magnus or Alec... but this rocks too! GOD! They look so awesome! <3
Now please kindly give me the book before I go insane. Need to OWN! O_O
Profile Image for destiny ♡ howling libraries.
1,895 reviews6,113 followers
September 7, 2018
#1 City of Bones ★★★★☆
#2 City of Ashes ★★★☆☆
#3 City of Glass ★★★★☆
#4 City of Fallen Angels ★★★★★
#5 City of Lost Souls ★★★★★
#6 City of Heavenly Fire

I’ve loved this series since the first book, but what really stood out to me in this fifth book is how much darker the tone suddenly got. It’s not just the events that happened in the book, but the world itself feels much bleaker and there’s a slow-building sense of dread, which makes sense, as our little team begins to prepare themselves for a war unlike anything they’ve seen so far.

“There are some people — people the universe seems to have singled out for special destinies. Special favors and special torments. God knows we’re all drawn toward what’s beautiful and broken; I have been, but some people cannot be fixed. Or if they can be, it’s only by love and sacrifice so great it destroys the giver.”

Even among characters who usually take on every scenario with a smile, there’s this anxiety building up, this urgent tension that bleeds right off the pages. If nothing else, it‘s a terrific example of how far Cassandra Clare’s writing has progressed. Everything is more authentic and three-dimensional, the stakes are getting higher with each misstep and twist, and it’s just… fantastic. I think this may have been my favorite book in the series so far, and I could barely stand to put it down.

“How was the Seelie Queen?”
“Same as usual.”
“Raging bitch, then?”
“Pretty much.”

It wouldn’t be a Shadowhunters book without some absolutely adorable character moments, banter for days, and loads of development in personalities, though. Simon and Izzy, both having been characters I did not like at all in the first two books, had me 100% in love with both of them by this end of this one. Simon has come into his own so well as the Daylighter—as this protective, self-sacrificing, noble little hero—and Izzy is so tough, such a rock for her loved ones. There’s a scene where Izzy is described as “a mother cub defending her young”, and that perfectly sums up how I view her relationship with her loved ones.

“Speaking of hope, did you see that shot Alec got off with his bow? That's my boyfriend.”

Of course, I can’t review this one without discussing Alec and Magnus. Some of the incidents between these two—especially involving Alec—broke my heart over and over. I know it’s hard to be in Alec’s position, but Magnus is forevermore my sweet little bisexual warlock baby, and I wanted to climb into the book and slap the shit out of Alec a few times. Either way, I think this was the most time we’ve gotten to spend with Magnus in any book in the series so far, and I was here for it, okay?

“I don’t care. He’d do it for me. Tell me he wouldn’t. If I were missing—”
“He’d burn the whole world down till he could dig you out of the ashes.”

Finally… Clary and Jace. Where do I even begin? My heart hurts for them. Everything in the world has conspired against their happiness, yet still they fight for each other, and it’s so precious. Before I started this series, if you had told me they would become one of my all-time favorite OTPs, I would have laughed in disbelief, but here we are. I love the romances that Cassandra Clare builds, and the agonizingly slow, angsty progression between Clary and Jace has to be my favorite.

She turned and looked at him. “Ducks?”
A smile tugged the edge of his mouth. “I hate ducks. Don’t know why. I just always have.”

Jace has grown so much from his self-obsessed little asshole self (though let’s be real, I loved him then, too), and Clary has become this powerhouse of a character. It describes her perfectly when the other Shadowhunters say that Clary essentially charges into any given situation, regardless of risk, and finds a way to fight through it. She never lets anyone tell her “no”, and she always mucks things up a bit along the way, but she always makes it right by the end. She’s a tremendously unlikely heroine, and I love her for it.

“Kill me, little sister.”

The last thing I wanted to touch on is Sebastian, and his entire arc as a villain. Based on the actions of Valentine in the first few books, I suppose I expected Sebastian to feel predictable-but-fun in the same way, but honestly, he’s so much more complex and mentally broken than his father was. While I can appreciate the writing of his character, I can’t fathom why so many people seem to root for him; but either way, one thing I’m sure of is that I positively dread seeing what he comes up with next.

Content warnings for attempted rape, homophobia, and slut-shaming (all challenged).

You can find this review and more on my blog, or you can follow me on twitter, bookstagram, or facebook!
Profile Image for Pearl Angeli.
654 reviews1,014 followers
February 5, 2016
Cassandra Clare did a wonderful job once again!

City of Lost Souls, the fifth book of The Mortal Instruments series, picks up where City of Fallen Angels left off. I don't want to give anything away by describing the things that have happened here, but the series already becomes more and more interesting. This sequel is actually a much better response compared to the City of Fallen Angels because all the events here were pretty much powerful and more remarkable.

I love how it started off as a bang!, eventually giving a slow-burn feels when the Shadowhunters were trying to figure out how they can come up with a solution to the dilemma, and ending up with a great and action-packed resolve. Although all throughout the book I must admit that I was really getting frustrated especially because of how badly things were turning for Jace. I mean, c'mon, why does Cassandra Clare keep torturing Jace and making him suffer all the time? It's fricking unfair!

The best part of this book is SIMON. My boy always saves the day! He played a great part here and I think this is the book where he really shines best! When it comes to Clary, her character improved here (although I prefer her character development in City of Glass) but still, I like how bold she was here and how she resorted to critical-thinking. Alec and Magnus' relationship here was tested big time and I don't know what to feel about what happened to them here. As for Isabelle, once again this chick astounded me. As usual, she's a fierce, in-your-face character and that's what I loved about her! Maia and Jordan's relationship was also highlighted here. I love the sweet reunion! And of course, Sebastian . Blimey, I am not usually a fan of villains but it's so ironic how I fangirled over a bad guy all throughout the book!

The action scenes were great and although it happened at the final chapters, they still didn't fail to bring out the adrenaline rush. The ending, on the other hand, was a blast and was well-executed. It had a surprise factor that will leave you wanting for more. All in all, it was a great come back. Cassandra Clare writes beautifully, but then I have always thought so! This book is really a world I could get lost in!

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Profile Image for Anniebananie.
632 reviews474 followers
March 25, 2018
4,5 Sterne ⭐️

Na wenn das mal keine positive Überraschung war 😱
Für mich das beste Buch der Reihe, was vor allem daran liegt, dass Clary hier mal nicht als hirnamputierte Hohlfrucht auftritt. Ich konnte ihre Handlungen diesmal größtenteils wirklich nachvollziehen.
Auch unseren "neuen" Bösewicht/Gegenspieler mag ich lieber als Valentin aus den früheren Bänden. 👌🏻
Es gab auch wieder viele tolle Malec-Momente obwohl ich ja vor allem Magnus und seinen Humor sehr in Cassie's Büchern zu schätzen weiß.
Sogar an Handlung hat es m.E. hier mal nicht gemangelt was auch an den vielen POVs liegt. Ich bin mittlerweile auch echt ein Fan von Jordan und Maia und naja Jocelyn hasse ich auch nach Band 5 noch 🤷🏼‍♀️
Und im Epilog sind ja noch so manch erschreckende Sachen passiert, dass ich wirklich von mir behaupten kann, dass ich mich auf das große Finale freue 😅
July 8, 2017
TOP 5 SNARKIEST MOMENTS IN City of Lost Souls.

description

In my review of City of Fallen Angels (TMI #4), I listed The Top 5 Angsty Issues. Now it’s time to rank my favorite part of the TMI series: The Snark. So, let’s get to it, shall we? Listed below, are the Top 5 Snarkiest Moments in City of Lost Souls (TMI #5), from least to most snarktastic. Enjoy!

#5. What Do Werewolves & Frat Boys Have In Common?

A lot, actually! As the posting at The Praetor House dormitories proves.

“PRAETOR HOUSE RULES

No shape-shifting in the hallways.
No howling.
No silver.
Clothes must be worn at all times. ALL TIMES.
No fighting. No biting.
Mark all your food before you put it in the communal refrigerator.”


description

PARTY POOPERS!

#4. What’s The Difference Between Sane & Insane?

According to Sebastian: "Two weeks."

Jace: “Clary has a right to know our plans. I don’t like keeping her in the dark.”
Sebastian: “We’ll tell her in a week. What difference does a week make?”
Jace: “Two weeks ago you were dead.”
Sebastian: “Well, I wasn’t suggesting two weeks. That would be insane.”

description

CUZ I DON’T WANT THE REAL ANSWER TO BE “A SHIRT”.

#3. What Kind Of Advice Do Warlocks Give?

Let's see...

Simon: “I’ve got the Mark of Cain. That means nothing can kill me, right?”
Magnus: “You can kill yourself. Inanimate objects can accidentally kill you. So if you were planning on teaching yourself the Lambada on a greased platform over a pit full of knives, I wouldn’t.”
Simon: “There goes my Saturday.”

description

YUP!

#2. Is Snark A Deadly Sin?

Jace doesn’t think so.

Jace: “I’m trying to remember all the deadly sins. Greed, envy, gluttony, irony, pedantry…”
Clary: “I’m pretty sure irony isn’t a deadly sin.”
Jace: “I’m pretty sure it is.”
Clary: “Lust is a deadly sin.”
Jace: “And spanking.”
Clary: “I think that falls under lust.”
Jace: “It has its own category. Greed, envy, gluttony, irony, pedantry, lust, and spanking.”

description

ESPECIALLY THE PART ABOUT JACE SPANKING…

#1. Are Magnus & Alec One Of “THOSE” Couples?

You know… “THOSE” couples we make up catchy monikers for?

Isabelle: “You smell like sandalwood.”
Alec: “We like sandalwood.”
Isabelle: “Either that’s the royal ‘we’ or you and Magnus are turning into one of those couples that think they’re one person. ‘We like sandalwood.’ ‘We adore the symphony.’ ‘We hope you enjoy our Christmas present’—which, if you ask me, is just a cheap way of avoiding having to buy two gifts.”

description

WE SHOULD!

BOTTOM LINE: City of Lost Souls is so chock-full-o-snark, this list could have been a hell of a lot longer. So, if there’s a snarktastic quote you’d like to add, please do so in the comments section. Then, check out my review of City of Heavenly Fire (TMI #6), where I rank TMI’s swooniest couples.

City of Lost Souls (TMI #5), by Cassandra Clare: 5 “Snarktastic” Stars.

For information about my rating system, see my profile page.

City of Fallen Angels (TMI #4): Click Me Baby!
City of Heavenly Fire (TMI #6): Coming Soon
Profile Image for Luciana Gomez Mauro.
229 reviews110 followers
August 31, 2019
“Si no puedo convencer al cielo, moveré los infiernos”
Increíble.

Definitivamente uno de los mejores de la saga. Me mantuvo nerviosa todo el tiempo, más en la batalla final.
Fue magnífico. Clary se superó, se merece todos mis aplausos, al igual que Simón, que lo amo. Amo la amistad de estos dos.
Clary, Magnus, Alec, Jace, Isabelle,Simón. Todos se superaron y los amo a todos.
Amo al Malec, disfruto leerlos en todos los libros, y me dolió este final de ellos. Aunque era de esperar, yo hubiese actuado igual que Magnus, aunque si me dolió que haya Sido tan directo. Amé la escena de Clary y Jace en la fiesta, estos dos merecen su noche desde hace rato. Casandra dejalos de hacer sufrir, más que nadie ellos dos merecen ser felices.

El collar de forma de angel de Tessa está en la biblioteca del instituto, y también aparece el libro de "Historia de dos Ciudades" de Charles Dickens, está la edición que era de Will. AMÉ esas referencias a los orígenes, estoy tan ansiosa por leer Princesa Mecánica. Además me compre el libro de Dickens por Will y Tessa, tanto amaban ese libro que me lo proyectaron a mí a todo su amor.

Reí, llore, me quedé con la boca abierta como 12 veces antes cada situación. Me quedaba paralizada.
No hay más palabras, el final me impacto muchísimo más. Y esa frase con ese mensaje. Ya está. (Wow)
Sigo amando a Jace como siempre. Y no quiero terminar esta saga, por qué de verdad, es estupenda.
De lo mejor que he leído este año, sin dudarlo.

Orden de lectura:
-Ciudad de hueso (Instrumentos Mortales) (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
-Ciudad de ceniza (Instrumentos Mortales)(⭐⭐⭐⭐)
-Ciudad de Cristal (Instrumentos Mortales) (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
-La historia de Jocelyn (Instrumentos Mortales) (⭐⭐⭐)
-Ángel Mecánico (Los Orígenes) (⭐⭐⭐)
-Ciudad de los Ángeles Caídos (Instrumentos Mortales)
(🌟🌟🌟🌟)
-Príncipe Mecánico (Los Orígenes) (🌟🌟🌟🌟)
-Ciudad de las Almas Perdidas (Instrumentos Mortales) (🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟)
-Princesa Mecánica (Los Orígenes)
-Ciudad del Fuego Celestial (Instrumentos Mortales)
-Despues del puente (Instrumentos Mortales)
-Las Crónicas de Magnus Bane (Instrumentos Mortales)
Profile Image for Whitney.
97 reviews47 followers
May 11, 2012
I don't think I can even write a review for this just yet.

Oh my God. SO MANY FUCKING FEELS, I CAN'T EVEN.

PAGE 510-11. KILL. ME.

Lord, help me get through this 2-year wait for Heavenly Fire.

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Profile Image for megs_bookrack.
1,940 reviews12.8k followers
December 18, 2022
**3.5-stars rounded up**

City of Lost Souls is the 5th-installment of Cassie Clare's Mortal Instruments series. With that fact in mind, please note that some minor spoilers may lay ahead in this review.

I actually have no idea what I am going to write yet, but just understand, it's a possibility.



It's been a minute since I have picked up any Shadowhunter books. I actually finished Clockwork Prince in February and had planned to continue my journey right away, however, I got distracted. New releases. You know how it is.

Luckily, Shadowhunter characters are like old friends. No matter how long you've been apart, once reunited, it's like no time has passed at all.



In this installment, the main narrative revolves around the fact that the demon Lilith's magic has bound Jace to Clary's psychotic brother, Sebastian, who has full control in their newly formed relationship.

Meanwhile, the clave is still on the hunt for Sebastian, but there is no way he can be taken out without killing Jace as well. So, yeah, it's a sticky situation.



As bleak as it sounds, Clary refuses to give up on Jace. She must figure out how to get him back, no matter the risk.

Clary isn't the only one determined to save Jace, although she may be willing to go the furthest in order to do so. Alec, Simon, Magnus and Isabelle are also scrambling, trying to find a way to break the bond of Lilith's magic.



As Clary and Jace are reunited, it's clear, he's not the same boy she fell in love with, but can she trust this new Jace? Is he still worth risking her life for?

I will admit, my interest in this installment fluctuated throughout. Jace and Clary's relationship isn't my favorite and was a big focus in this one, obviously. With this being said, Clare definitely pulled it off in the end.



I love how Clare continues to build out this world. It's really quite impressive. I'm super excited to finally be able to pick up Clockwork Princess next.

I think for me, I enjoy the The Infernal Devices just a bit more than this series, so I tend to kind of breeze through these ones in order the be able to return to Victorian London.



I'm still enjoying this series a lot, don't get me wrong. It is a solid series, complex and fast-paced. The way this one leaves off, I am super excited to see what happens in City of Heavenly Fire.

Also, just as a side note, I was incredibly happy to get a bit more Magnus Bane in this one; quickly becoming my favorite character.

Profile Image for April (Aprilius Maximus).
1,154 reviews6,450 followers
June 6, 2020
1.) City of Bones ★★★★
2.) City of Ashes ★★★★
3.) City of Glass ★★★★
4.) City of Fallen Angels ★★★
5.) City of Lost Souls ★★★.5
6.) City of Heavenly Fire ★★★★

1.) Clockwork Angel ★★★★★
2.) Clockwork Prince ★★★★★
3.) Clockwork Princess ★★★★★

1.) Lady Midnight [TBA]
2.) Lord of Shadows [TBA]
3.) Queen of Air and Darkness [TBA]

1.) The Red Scrolls of Magic ★★★★.5

1.) Chain of Gold ★★★★★

*.) The Bane Chronicles ★★★★
*.) Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy [TBA]
*.) Ghosts of the Shadow Market ★★★★

-----------------------------------------------

★★★.5

some spoilery thoughts:

- 2 stars for the plot, 4.5 stars for the characters (particularly simon and magnus - wow we stan comedic geniuses)
- 5 STARS FOR CHURCH AND CHAIRMAN MEOW
- 5 stars for aline and helen!!!! we stan a power couple!!
- the friendships in this book!!! simon & clary, simon & maia, clary & izzy <3 <3 <3
- the way simon's mum reacts to him being a vampire :(((((( but the way his sister still loves him???? ow, my heart
- wow @ jocelyn being the worst mum ever
- the fact that simon refers to himself as being as sexually threatening as a goldfish... felt like that needed noting lol
- i hate jordan and maia's relationship ewwwww makes me wanna scream
- SIMON AND IZZY UWU
- I HATE HOW HOMOPHOBIC THE CLAVE (and ROBERT FUCKING LIGHTWOOD) IS.... WHY U SUCK SO MUCH?
- how sebastian straight up wants to bang clary brb, i'm gonna puke
- I DIDN'T KNOW ALEC'S MIDDLE NAME IS GIDEON AND NOW I'M CRYING
- malec's breakup... ow it hurts

Fave quotes:

"For as is often the happenstance with that which is precious and lost, when you find him again, he may well not be quite as you left him." - pg. 38

"Grief makes you feel alone, but you're not." - pg. 48

"There are some people- people the universe seems to have singled out for special destinies. Special favours and special torments. God knows we're drawn toward what's beautiful and broken; I have been, but some people cannot be fixed. Or if they can be, it's only by love and sacrifice so great that it destroys the giver." - pg. 151-152

"To love as you choose, that takes strength." - pg. 152

"It's not so easy to doubt the things you've grown up believing." - pg. 344

"Forever does not make loss forgettable, only bearable." - pg. 517
Profile Image for Angelyn .
179 reviews
June 14, 2012
If you haven't read the letter, here it is:

To my son,

If you are reading this letter, then I am dead.
I expect to die, if not today, then soon. I expect that Valentine will kill me. For all his talk of loving me, for all his desire for a right-hand man, he knows that I have doubts. And he is a man who cannot abide doubt.

I do not know how you will be brought up. I do not know what they will tell you about me. I do not even know who will give you this letter. I entrust it to Amatis, but I cannot see what the future holds. All I know is that this is my chance to give you an accounting of a man you may well hate.

There are three things you must know about me. The first is that I have been a coward. Throughout my life I have made the wrong decisions, because they were easy, because they were self-serving, because I was afraid.

At first I believed in Valentine’s cause. I turned from my family and to the Circle because I fancied myself better than Downworlders and the Clave and my suffocating parents. My anger against them was a tool Valentine bent to his will as he bent and changed so many of us. When he drove Lucian away I did not question it but gladly took his place for my own. When he demanded I leave Amatis, the woman I love, and marry Celine, a girl I did not know, I did as he asked, to my everlasting shame.

I cannot imagine what you might be thinking now, knowing that the girl I speak of was your mother. The second thing you must know is this. Do not blame Celine for any of this, whatever you do. It was not her fault, but mine. Your mother was an innocent from a family that brutalized her. She wanted only kindess, to feel safe and loved. And though my heart had been given already, I loved her, in my fashion, just as in my heart, I was faithful to Amatis. Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae. I wonder if you love Latin as I do, and poetry. I wonder who has taught you.

The third and hardest thing you must know is that I was prepared to hate you. The son of myslef and the child-bride I barely knew, you seemed to be the culmination of all the wrong decisions I had made, all the small compromises that led to my dissolution. Yet as you grew inside my mind, as you grew in the world, a blameless innocent, I began to realize that I did not hate you. It is the nature of parents to see their own image in their children, and it was myself I hated, not you.

For there is only one thing I want from you, my son — one thing from you, and of you. I want you to be a better man than I was. Let no one else tell you who you are or should be. Love where you wish to. Believe as you wish to. Take freedom as your right.
I don’t ask that you save the world, my boy, my child, the only child I will ever have. I ask only that you be happy.

Stephen
Profile Image for Mikee (ReadWithMikee).
203 reviews1,355 followers
February 9, 2017
I managed to stop complaining about this book long enough to finally finish it. Although I do believe that City of Lost Souls was better than its predecessor, it wasn't that much better. I'm still disappointed in the direction that this series decided to go and I still stand by what I said before about the last three books being completely UNNECESSARY.

This series was called THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS for a reason. Three instruments for each of the three books for the first half of the series. City of Bones was about the Mortal Cup. City of Ashes was about the Mortal Sword, and so forth. This series should've ended after City of Glass because the longer these books went on, the more I began to despise this series and its characters. And that's saying a lot considering how I loved the first half of The Mortal Instruments and even dubbed this series as one of my favorite series of all time. But now, I could barely stand the characters, specifically Clary and Jace. Maybe even just Clary. And since she's the central character of this whole series, you can see how this was problematic.

My hatred for Clary reached its highest point in this book. I thought I couldn't hate her more than I already did, but she proved me wrong. She's, hands down, the most selfish character I've ever had to read about. And it just pissed me off that everybody in this book was defending her actions and claiming it as her "fighting for what she loves". NO. It's her putting her own reckless life in danger and everyone else following after her, risking their own lives, just to save her dumb ass. People are dying and people will continue to die on her behalf because everything she does is in the name of "love". She doesn't care about anything or anyone else because EVERYTHING she does is fueled by her love for Jace and it's absolutely despicable. I have no good words to say about Clary or her relationship with Jace because in my opinion, Clace, or just Clary in general, was the downfall of this series. If you really want to know how much my perception of these characters did a complete 180, you should know that I absolutely loved Clary and Jace in the beginning. I shipped them 100 percent. But my love for them dwindled with each book I read. City of Glass left me barely tolerating both Clary and Jace. After City of Fallen Angels, I lost all interest and respect for these two characters.

Another thing that annoyed me about this book was Maia and Jordan. I USED to love Maia. I loved her whole backstory and how she was able to persevere. Then came City of Fallen Angels and Cassandra Clare just turned her into a typical, hormonal teenager in which every scene and dialogue just revolved around her relationship with Jordan. Jordan was a pleasant addition to the squad but ever since we learn about Maia and Jordan history, he pretty much only exists now for the sake of giving Maia a love interest. Two great characters became completely IRRELEVANT to the storyline due to their relationship. They had nothing to contribute besides making out and sex. Here's an example of how literally all their POVs consisted of:
Jordan: Did Luke say yes to letting them use his farm?
Maia: Yes.
*CUE MAKING OUT*
Maia: Wait, haven't you noticed that every time we see each other we're only making out or having sex? Maybe we should talk.
Jordan: Okay... Well what do you want to talk about?
Maia: Nothing.
*CUE MAKING OUT*

And this my friends, I AM NOT even exaggerating about. Just turn to page 382 and read it for yourselves.
Honestly, the only good thing about City of Lost Souls was Isabelle (and all The Infernal Devices references). She dragged all their asses and told everyone straight up what everyone needed to hear. Bravo, Isabelle. She's twice the person Clary is or ever will be. And Simon and Isabelle? Let's just say that Clace doesn't even have an ounce of their chemistry. Even Sebastian and Clary have more chemistry than Clace will ever have and this relationship can't even happen!

I'm only finishing this series because: 1) Lady Midnight occurs after City of Heavenly Fire and the characters in Cassandra's series always seemed to be connected or related to each other. I don't want to miss out on any details, no matter how big or small, when it comes to the new characters. 2) I'm hoping that some of our main characters from The Infernal Devices will show up and play an important role in which I'm assuming will be war. 3) I'm trying to finish ALL five of the Shadowhunter Chronicles.
Profile Image for Emma Giordano.
316 reviews107k followers
August 19, 2015
hi i've obviously read this book a million times but i'm just adding it to my "read" for this year
Profile Image for Bangadybangz.
30 reviews841 followers
May 31, 2016
Wow I finished this a while ago! Guess I forgot to share my thoughts...

Um... It was good? Lol
Not my favorite of the series, but I've heard CoHF is amazing, so I'm pumped to read that soon! :D
Profile Image for Beenish.
394 reviews448 followers
November 23, 2020
3 ★ LOST STARS!
The stars are lost, seriously. 🤭

𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊
(If you haven't read till book 4, don't even start reading this)
Writing Style: So slow. I've always liked the slow pace in Cassie's books, because as a first time experience, it feels so good to know everything and understand the circumstances and get used to the characters' personalities and everything, but since I'm so used to and know these characters so well, I was just annoyed at the pace in this book. A Lot!

Love isn't moral or immoral. It just is.

Ya right, when an author, (even if they're your favourite) decides to write about incest (whether it's implied/real), that is the one line that you'd definitely see quoted.

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 (+rant)

THE WILD HUNT
I Loved seeing it was introduced in this book. I thought it happened in book 6. Plus, this line Jace said, it just reminded me of the Wild Hunt scenes we get in other books. ❤️

There's something appealing about the idea. Of losing all your control. Don't you think?

Well, of course, in reference to wild hunt, this line seems beautiful but the context in which he said imo, I was like "dude! Control!"

MA-LEC
The heart and soul of this world. I love him so so much that I just never want to see him hurt, like ever! He deserves all the happiness and TRUST in this universe.

I think of myself as a freewheeling bisexual 🙈😂

He's wise, he's got the best sense of humour, he's more human than anyone else in every sense that matters.

There are some people—people the universe seems to have singled out for special destinies. Special favors and special torments. God knows we're all drawn toward what's beautiful and broken; I have been. But some people cannot be fixed. Or if they can be, it's by love and sacrifice so great that it destroys the giver.

He trusted Alec even when he wasn't sure how Alec felt for him. He loved Alec knowing the love might not be returned. He loved even though he thought Alec might one day leave, as all others did because he thought every second spent with Alec and having his love would be worth it. He gave him everything unconditionally and he just . . . He didn't deserve Alec's mistrust, doubt or "having to take time to think over something" that was so absurd to even think in the first place. I Love him and his character development but I just didn't like what he did. I just don't like anybody who hurts Magnus. 🙈💔

. . . The one thing I hadn't experienced was growing old with someone—someone I loved. I thought perhaps it would be you. But that does not give you the right to make the length of my life your choice and not mine.

True. 💔

SEBASTIAN aka JONATHAN CHRISTOPHER MORGENSTERN
I love him. I hate him. I LOVE to HATE him. And I absolutely freaking adore how Cassie wrote his character.

If I cannot move Heaven, I will raise Hell.

This Demon Bastard. This effing bastard, idk why but I LOVE him. Also, I could feel and see his interest in every tiny thing he did for Clary. It was clear the demon bastard wanted her.
→He kept telling Jace she's his sister
→He brought his sister a mini dress to wear to the party
→He puts his arms around her in the party for a second when she thinks it's Jace until she realizes it's not him
→He touches her neck while taking his scarf back
→He literally kisses her and takes his hands to her jeans button.
DAMN, THERE'S A LIMIT. I really don't get why, just coz he's a demon bastard, Cassie wrote that he went that far. 🙄 They're siblings!

SI-ZZY
There's no order to this but after Magnus and Sebastian, I LOVED both Simon and Izzy in this book, they both got some solid scenes and great character development imo.

Scrawny little mundane bastard. Except he isn't. Scrawny, anymore. Or a mundane. And I like spending time with him. He makes me laugh. And I like the way he smiles...

I loved when she was drunk and talking all this. And for people who call ISABELLE LIGHTWOOD a Slut, here, let me quote:

I don't just 'sleep'. With anybody. I don't stay the night usually at all. Like, ever.

When I read till, "I don't just sleep" even I thought what! She has sex? But idk if you get it or no, she DOESN'T! and has never! So stop calling her a slut only coz she liked a few guys she dated. What? Don't tell me you marry the first person you love? Or that you just have sex after marriage. In some religions,—my religion—people have sex after marriage only and those who do before also, it's not my concern. But ISABELLE LIGHTWOOD doesn't sleep with people. And she's only ever dated a few guys, namely Meliorn and Simon! She's sassy, a good fighter and the best sister and friend ever!!

CLARY
Lilah said, "the incest is following her wherever she goes." and damn! She's right! It's like, she attracts incest but Thank God! It ended in this book. Or somewhat. 🙈

Oh btw, she did the STUPIDEST THING EVER. After finally being so sensible in this book, she ends up doing stupidity again. She called JONATHAN CHRISTOPHER MORGENSTERN when Jace was about to give himself up to the Clave. I understand why she did it but damn, could she not just go with him and hold him back or something? Anything??? But ya, then the books won't go as they did. 😔

JACE
Well, the only time he was him in this book, I really liked him. The possessed him, who pushed Clary into doing other stuff, I didn't like it. I hated it in fact. 🙄

That thing that looks like me but isn't? He'll burn down the world if Sebastian wants him to, and laugh while he's doing it. That's what you're saving Clary. That. Don't you understand? I'd rather be dead—

Well, his only few words that I loved a lot in this book.

M-ORDAN
Maia and Jordan. Mordan, isn't it? Or Jaia? Or Madan? 😂 Ugh. Whatever. I did like their scenes. I like them both but I like Jordan more than Maia. And he's very very nice. :)

CAMILLE
She's just. . . . Died? Um, okay. 👀
Profile Image for Tina ➹ lives in Fandoms.
462 reviews464 followers
April 16, 2022
4.5 Golden Stars

92%

This was soooooo good! definitely better than the fallen angels.
I love Sebastian!
I love these second part of TMI way better than the first three, I think with Sebastian it totally turned into a new exciting (possibly unique) path.
good Lord!
such a heroic thrilling battle in the end!
I guess every TMI book has an EPIC ending! (actually I think it's true if I generalize it to every shadowhunters book & I love them for that!)

In every parts, everyone was in action, trying to do something, find a solution for their (common) problem.
& sometimes-when there was a changing in POV & left me (& the characters) with a cliffhanger- I was yelling: 'NO! No, you didn't!'. & I was dying to be back to continue that scene again. (I know it's the authors' tricks to motivate us to continue the book! But I don't need that now honestly, do You? XD )
though I think many of Maia scenes were unnecessary... mostly romance parts... I like Jordan though. (but still, probably this is the reason holding me back from giving this amazing book 5)
so much excitements!

& I think my favourite character is Simon in this book, he is so cool. & my new SHIP is 'Simon x Izzy'. (I also love Malec very much, but too much drama, you know?)
the final battle was AMAZING! the horror! the darkness! It can match the thrills of the battle in the end of City of Glass
-
Plot: ★★★★(★)/5
World building: ★★★★★/5
Characters: ★★★★★/5
Written Style: ★★★★★/5
Idea: ★★★★★/5
explaining factors generally on City of Bones review :)
Profile Image for Rinoa Heartilly.
90 reviews86 followers
August 7, 2012
WHAT??? Three motherfcking stars??! is probably how those of you who know of my special relationship with Clare's books are going right now. Hell, I'm more surprised than anyone. But let me explain.

There are two facts that make me appreciate this book 10 times more than all of the other ones in the series combined:

1.) It follows COFA which is the absolute low point of the whole series. Lets be serious folks, it's close to Breaking Dawn bad. Compared to that disaster, COLS was a masterpiece.

2.) Sebastian. Just. Sebastian. I love that boy. He's fierce. He's crazy. He looks like Akihiko from Persona.
Yeah, love him. Just call that third star the Sebastian star.

Also, for clarification purposes, I refer to Jace as ZOMBIE, because he technically is one (being dead alive and all).

And now on to the fun part (spoilers everywhere as always):

Clary: OHNOEZ, Jace is like totally gone! ALL MY CRYZ!!!111
Me: Perfect ending. *closes book*

...

Me: Shit, I promised to review this thing. *opens book again*
Clary: OMGOMGOMG GUYZ GUESS WHAT? FAERIE QUEEN WILL HELP US FIND JACE IF WE GET HER SOME STUPID JEWELERY!
Simon: Okay, I get that you're upset because of Jace, but have you just forgotten the last 2 books? I mean, we basically know by now that the Faerie Queen is a cheating bitch and the Clave is working on finding Jace.
Clary: OMG SIMON, YOLO! HOW COULD THE PLAN OF A TEENAGER WHO HAS ONLY KNOWN THAT SHE'S A SHADOWHUNTER FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS POSSIBLY BE INFERIOUR TO THAT OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT HAS MILLENIAS OF EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SORT OF THING??!!!
Simon: ...k.

Alec: Bohoo, I'm emo because my boyfriend will be sexy forever and I'll have him until my death.
Camille: You could always, you know, just take his immortality away.
Alec: Wait, you mean taking it without him wanting that? Isn't that basically like theft? Or kind of murder?
Camille: No.
Alec: Okay, sounds legit. Where do I sign?

[Prepare yourselves, it's back to Clary's POV.]

Clary: Phew! Good thing the Clave's security measures are lax enough for a teenager to actually be able to steal some very valuable artifacts. Oh, what would this series be without conveniences?
...
OHNOEZ, Jace and Sebastian who's name is actually Jonathan but we still all call him Sebastian for some reason!
ZOMBIE:Wow, bro, our evil plan is like, so evil.
AkihikoSebastian: Shut up, bro.

[Clary steals the rings, the two leave. This takes a lot longer in the book. Later that day (or week, I don't really remember).]

Sebastian: Hi.
Clary: ACK! I KNEW IT WAS A BAD IDEA TO EAT A SNACK AFTER MIDNIGHT!
ZOMBIE: Hey, just dropping in to tell you Sebastian and I are now connected and you can't kill one without the other.
Clary: But why would you tell me-
Sebastian: And now I'm going to kill Luke.
Luke: ARGH! CURSE MY ROLE AS A KINDA EXPENDABLE SECONDARY CHARACTER!
Jocelyn: DIE MY SON!
Sebastian: Wow, you're a terrible mother.

[They vanish in a vortex of darkness. Or something.]

Clary: MOM, WHY DID YOU TRY THAT?! YOU COULD'VE KILLED JACE!
Jocelyn: I know.
Clary: Wow, you really are a terrible mother.
Luke: ...hello, kinda dying over here?

[He does not. Time passes. Unimportant things happen. Here's an example:]

Maia and Jordan: WE WUV EACH OTHER NOW!
Me: This is about as relevant to the plot as:
-Abby: If we get through this, I'm going to marry you.
-Buffy: I love you.
-Spike: No you don't. But thanks for saying it anyway.
-Axel: He made me feel like I had a heart.

Clary: SIMON TAKE THIS RING, I'M GONNA FOLLOW JACE AND SEBASTIAN!
Simon: But- You know what? Fine. Go ahead. You're an idiot.

Magnus and Isabelle: Btw, we're also in this book. Now lets summon a demon to sever the ties between Jace and Sebastian.
Azazel: LOLZ, NOPE.
Simon: Wow, what a waste of paper.

ZOMBIE: Hey, Clary since it's totally not suspicious that you so suddenly wanted to join us, lets party! Here, take these drugs!
Clary: Sure! It's not like you're possessed by my evil brother and we're in a club full of furniture made of human bones! Rendering myself defenceless by intoxicating myself is an awesome idea!

[This actually happens.]

Isabelle: Hey Simon, bite me!
Simon: ... Are you sure? This is not just out of some urge to torture yourself because you feel inadequate? Or because the fact that your parents' marriage is a total desaster emotionally traumatized you so that you now are scared of actually commiting yourself to someone so that you now try to reduce me to my being a vampire because you're frightened by your feelings for me?
Isabelle: Um. No, this is totally a healthy thing to do.

Simon: Okay, now lets summon that Angel.
Raziel: Pfft, as I would help you measly mortals- On second thought, give me your mark and I'll give you a Deus ex Machina sword.
Simon: You mean the mark that I got only in the third book and that protected me for all of like 1 week in the fourth? Okay, it's not like Clary can't just give me a new one, sucker.

[She doesn't and they never talk about it again.]

ZOMBIE: Clary, convenience struck again! I'm suddenly myself again and I will turn myself in to save the world!
Clary: ...No, I think I like it better when you're Sebastian's mindless slave. OH SEBASTIAN~!
ZOMBIE: WAIT, ARE YOU SERIOUS? NO HELP! HELP! SOMEBODY! THEY'RE TRYING TO MINDRAPE ME!

[SERIOUSLY. THIS REALLY HAPPENS.]

Sebastian: Btw, the plot is that I want to create a new race of shadowhunters with demon blood with this new mortal cup. Like a boss. Come Clary, you're one of us now.
Clary: Never!I will never be like you!
Sebastian: No, because you totally didn't participate in mindraping Jace or anything. Noooo. Now come here and give your brother a kiss because I really like how you're an idiotic crazy bitch.
Clary: EW! YOU'RE MY BROTHER!
Sebastian: Gee, it's not like that ever stopped you before.
Clary: I HATE YOU!
Sebastian: You know what? Fck you all. Has anyone ever thought of the emotional trauma I've suffered? It's not like I was born evil you know, I'm just as much a victim of the circumstances as you others are. And if anyone says anything about the demon blood I'm going to smash his face in because Magnus had a demon for a dad and is clearly able to be good. I mean, HELLO, you had a normal life in NY while I was raised by our maniac of a father! Who says you wouldn't have turned out the same under those circumstances? And do you remember that letter you found? It's obvious I'm able to love and even crave it (just count how often you describe how my gaze shifts when you get all lovey-dovey with Jace and the fact that I'm willing to call Lilith my mother indicates that I am very lonely and try to gather whatever affection I can) but the way that Valentin raised me had a big impact and that's why I'm behaving this way. Clary, if I was in my right mind I wouldn't be in love with you and I wouldn't try to destroy this world. Obviously I'm psychologically scarred and should get help and support to make me better again.
Clary: I'LL KEEL YOU!
Sebastian: Or that. That works too.

[She doesn't actually manage to kill him. She does however, after like 3000 pages, manage to finally free ZOMBIE.]

Sebastian: SUCKERS, I've still got the demonshadowhunter army behind me! Kill you in the next book!

Magnus: Alec, I'm leaving you. I really don't understand how you could think you would be able to hide visiting Camille from me when I'm a nearly almighty warlock. Oh yeah and Camille's dead. That Simon fangirl is head of the vampires now.
Maureen: BWAHAHAHA!
Claudia: Fck you. I was a vampire child before it was cool.

THE END


P.S: No really, it ends that way.
P.P.S: Who else is hoping for a Sebastian/Maureen team-up?
P.P.P.S: And that Sebastian redemption?
P.P.P.P.S: Jocelyn is worse at parenting than the Dursleys.
P.P.P.P.P.S: And my reviews are getting entirely too long.
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