castairs's review against another edition
3.25
I have a complicated relationship with The Shadowhunters saga. I started reading the books when I was 13 years old and I loved them instantly, but as the saga continued and I became older I came to the conclusion that the writing quality leaves a lot to be desired, and I was left with beloved characters that have great potential but ultimately follow the same overused clichés and don't live up to my expectations. Alec and Magnus' relationship is a prime example.
When I saw this book I was expecting to be disappointed once again, but I was pleasantly surprised instead. There's a good balance between the romance (Alec and Magnus being a new couple getting to know each other) and the main plot (tracking down the Crimson Hand), so if you want to read about them being together you'll get that, but you'll also get all the typical shenanigans of a shadowhunter book (fighting demons and downworlders parties).
Both Alec and Magnus come off as likeable and relatable, but I was especially pleased with Alec's characterization since Magnus' got his chance to get more developed in The Bane Chronicles and I've always thought Alec needed to be fleshed out a lot more. Overall, it felt more intimate and realistic than anything else Clare has written about these two, and I enjoyed all the glimpses of Magnus through Alec's eyes.
The writing was okay this time and I even found a few of the jokes funny, so that's also an improvement.
When I saw this book I was expecting to be disappointed once again, but I was pleasantly surprised instead. There's a good balance between the romance (Alec and Magnus being a new couple getting to know each other) and the main plot (tracking down the Crimson Hand), so if you want to read about them being together you'll get that, but you'll also get all the typical shenanigans of a shadowhunter book (fighting demons and downworlders parties).
Both Alec and Magnus come off as likeable and relatable, but I was especially pleased with Alec's characterization since Magnus' got his chance to get more developed in The Bane Chronicles and I've always thought Alec needed to be fleshed out a lot more. Overall, it felt more intimate and realistic than anything else Clare has written about these two, and I enjoyed all the glimpses of Magnus through Alec's eyes.
The writing was okay this time and I even found a few of the jokes funny, so that's also an improvement.
daffodill37's review against another edition
3.0
Very much enjoyed reading Magnus and Alec's adventure! I love them dearly. To be honest tho, I was hoping for more romance. Oh well. Still very much looking forward to the next book.
katiethepenguin's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sirenricobooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, and Child abuse
Moderate: Alcohol, Biphobia, Homophobia, and Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent
katya_s's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
maikeoppen's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5