jesslynn's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
liralen's review against another edition
3.0
Compelling? Yes.
Addictive? Yes.
Easy to read in one sitting, late into the night, because you don't want to put it down? Yes.
Like not-so-great fanfiction? Yes.
Highly entertaining books in some regards, but they can really only be considered good books if you like your lit heavy on the Harry Potter parallels (the author did get her start writing wildly popular HP fanfiction, after all) and the angst. (Oh, the angst!)
Don't get me wrong. I'll read whatever other books she puts out. I just hope she continues to grow and mature as a writer.
This review cross-posted under her other books.
Addictive? Yes.
Easy to read in one sitting, late into the night, because you don't want to put it down? Yes.
Like not-so-great fanfiction? Yes.
Highly entertaining books in some regards, but they can really only be considered good books if you like your lit heavy on the Harry Potter parallels (the author did get her start writing wildly popular HP fanfiction, after all) and the angst. (Oh, the angst!)
Don't get me wrong. I'll read whatever other books she puts out. I just hope she continues to grow and mature as a writer.
This review cross-posted under her other books.
pickett22's review against another edition
1.0
I can't do it, you guys. I can't finish it. It's just awful. I was trying to get through it for Simon, but then he had this mind blowing revelation: "COULD it be that it was Jace's blood that made me now able to go into the sun?! Is it possible?! I mean... WOW that MIGHT just explain it! And let me just stand here and debate the ramifications of that! Should I tell the inquisitor about this? Hmmm I'll make a list of pros and cons."
This was promptly followed by Jace treating Clary like shit and then saying, "no it's okay, now that I've totally estranged her and sent her out into this city she's never been in where she has no friends she'll totally go home! I mean, all that's left to her is her mother, everyone else is mad at her, so she'll totally go back to New York and sit by Jocelyn's hospital bed like we told her to in the first place. There's no way she'll try to complete the quest to save her mother's life now."
These characters CANNOT be this stupid. The narcissism on behalf of every character I could have dealt with, but I've seen characters on the Disney Jr channel who are more intelligent than these kids. They couldn't think their collective way out of a wet paper bag.
Furthermore, the things I really liked in the first two books (namely the banter between characters and the narrator's voice) are completely gone this time around. Instead, the kids throw temper tantrums while the narrator chases minor details around in circles. I got like 7 chapters in and there is basically no sign of the plot. I have no idea what this book is about. Except for whiny children running around hurting each other because they are too stupid to figure out how to deal with... well anything really.
I think I have actually found a lead female character I hate more than Katniss Everdeen. I can't stand Clary. She pains me on so many levels.
And the only breath I will waste on all this hormonal angst is that as a whole it's insipid and I can't deal with it anymore.
So basically:
This was promptly followed by Jace treating Clary like shit and then saying, "no it's okay, now that I've totally estranged her and sent her out into this city she's never been in where she has no friends she'll totally go home! I mean, all that's left to her is her mother, everyone else is mad at her, so she'll totally go back to New York and sit by Jocelyn's hospital bed like we told her to in the first place. There's no way she'll try to complete the quest to save her mother's life now."
These characters CANNOT be this stupid. The narcissism on behalf of every character I could have dealt with, but I've seen characters on the Disney Jr channel who are more intelligent than these kids. They couldn't think their collective way out of a wet paper bag.
Furthermore, the things I really liked in the first two books (namely the banter between characters and the narrator's voice) are completely gone this time around. Instead, the kids throw temper tantrums while the narrator chases minor details around in circles. I got like 7 chapters in and there is basically no sign of the plot. I have no idea what this book is about. Except for whiny children running around hurting each other because they are too stupid to figure out how to deal with... well anything really.
I think I have actually found a lead female character I hate more than Katniss Everdeen. I can't stand Clary. She pains me on so many levels.
And the only breath I will waste on all this hormonal angst is that as a whole it's insipid and I can't deal with it anymore.
So basically:
octobertune's review against another edition
Read this review, and many more on my blog October Tune!
Okay, so I tried my best, but in the end I couldn't do it anymore. I stopped reading where Part Two ended, and I am not planning on ever finishing this book. Or the rest of the series. I am honestly asking myself why the hell I got myself to read these three books, why I wasted so many precious reading hours to this series. I have considered not writing a review about this book (or at least not posting about it on my blog), but I am going to do it anyway, because I just want you all to know why I don't like this series. I will probably add spoilers, so beware.
The Action - Well, there was some action in this book, almost right at the beginning. I did like the action scenes, but there was one particular scene that I would have loved to read more about, but no, of course the one thing I like in this book is not being continued. Right when it gets to the action, Clare switches to a different character in the story and we don't read ANYTHING from that thrilling moment again until after it's happened. Why? Just, why?!
The Characters - Don't talk to me about these characters, oh my god. Clary, seriously. I think they should have called this series: "Things Clary Does That She Shouldn't Be Doing'. Wow, really almost every character in this book was like 'Clary, don't do the thing!' and then Clary was like: "Going to do the thing, because yolo'. No. Please. Also, she's staying at Amatis' house (Luke's sister), and she just completely does whatever she wants. She wears Amatis' clothes, she eats her food, she leaves when she wants even after being told to stay inside the house. And then she breaks a couple of Amatis' plates, just because she's angry with Jace? I hope you bought her some new plates Clary, god.
I am not going to talk about any of the other characters, because I could probably write a fifty-page essay about how much I don't like any of them, and I don't want to do that to y'all. I just like Luke and Simon, but that's because of the movie (and the actors). The only person I kinda liked was Sebastian, because he told the 'gang' that they were really annoying and stupid, and I might have cheered at that point.
Then there are the deaths. Three completely unnecessary deaths (well more than three actually, quite a lot, but still these were the 'important ones' or w/e).
You know, sometimes deaths happen for a reason, to teach us (the readers) or the characters a lesson, but these deaths were just weird and I didn't learn anything from them at all.
Also there was someone called Nashreen Chaudhury, and that's also a character in Doctor Who (or well her last name is spelled differently). (That episode aired after this book was released, so I'm not implying anything but it was just funny). Also, every time Sebastian was mentioned, I pictured Radagast's hedgehog, just a side note.
The Romance - Ugh don't get me started on this. Clary thinks she's not pretty, or 'not as pretty as Isabelle' which is actually really stupid (why compare yourself to another girl, why do girls do that?). But yet she has not one, not two but THREE love interests. And one of them is her brother (gross). Also the whole thing between Isabelle and Simon, why?
The Plot - It reminded me a lot of Deathly Hallows. Except for the fact that Valentine was looking for all three of the Mortal Instruments, and not just one (like Voldemort, who was only after the Elder Wand). There was Idris being protected by the ward or w/e (like Hogwarts being protected etc), then there was the part where demons were suddenly inside Idris, and a huge fight. Valentine calling back his troops and wanting to take over the clave or something like that. Then he gave them until midnight the next day to decide or else he would enter Idris again and kill every last man *gasp*, woman *gasp* and child *no*.
And then the next chapter is called 'In the Dark Forest', which is exactly the place Voldemort is hiding himself, and exactly the place Harry is going to get killed. Like Jace is doing, wowowowowowowoww.
I didn't really pay attention to the rest of the plot, because I actually thought it was a tiny bit boring (it was basically them wanting to wake up Clary's mum).
The Writing - I just don't know what to say about this. If there is one thing I don't like, it's characters talking in different languages (especially those that I don't speak), and it not being translated into English (at the bottom of the page or something, you know?!). And no, I don't feel like Google-translating every bloody sentence every time. there was literally one word I understood, and that was 'Vale', and that was because of Doctor Who (Vale Decem... *sobs*)
I was also really annoyed by the change in POV's the entire time. I would have accepted it better when it was a POV a chapter, but the POV just changes randomly after a tiny cliffhanger bit which weren't really all that shocking in my opinion. This is one of the main reasons I stopped reading.
So, in the end, I am just going to say 'vale' (see what I did there) to this book series, and I hope I never have to see you again!
Okay, so I tried my best, but in the end I couldn't do it anymore. I stopped reading where Part Two ended, and I am not planning on ever finishing this book. Or the rest of the series. I am honestly asking myself why the hell I got myself to read these three books, why I wasted so many precious reading hours to this series. I have considered not writing a review about this book (or at least not posting about it on my blog), but I am going to do it anyway, because I just want you all to know why I don't like this series. I will probably add spoilers, so beware.
The Action - Well, there was some action in this book, almost right at the beginning. I did like the action scenes, but there was one particular scene that I would have loved to read more about, but no, of course the one thing I like in this book is not being continued. Right when it gets to the action, Clare switches to a different character in the story and we don't read ANYTHING from that thrilling moment again until after it's happened. Why? Just, why?!
The Characters - Don't talk to me about these characters, oh my god. Clary, seriously. I think they should have called this series: "Things Clary Does That She Shouldn't Be Doing'. Wow, really almost every character in this book was like 'Clary, don't do the thing!' and then Clary was like: "Going to do the thing, because yolo'. No. Please. Also, she's staying at Amatis' house (Luke's sister), and she just completely does whatever she wants. She wears Amatis' clothes, she eats her food, she leaves when she wants even after being told to stay inside the house. And then she breaks a couple of Amatis' plates, just because she's angry with Jace? I hope you bought her some new plates Clary, god.
I am not going to talk about any of the other characters, because I could probably write a fifty-page essay about how much I don't like any of them, and I don't want to do that to y'all. I just like Luke and Simon, but that's because of the movie (and the actors). The only person I kinda liked was Sebastian, because he told the 'gang' that they were really annoying and stupid, and I might have cheered at that point.
Then there are the deaths. Three completely unnecessary deaths (well more than three actually, quite a lot, but still these were the 'important ones' or w/e).
Spoiler
Madeline (who was going to take Clary to Ragnor Fell), Ragnor Fell (who was apparently the only one who could wake up Clary's mum (until there was a magical solution of some White book that Magnus wanted)) and Max (Alec and Isabelle's nine-year-old brother) (SERIOUSLY WHY?!)You know, sometimes deaths happen for a reason, to teach us (the readers) or the characters a lesson, but these deaths were just weird and I didn't learn anything from them at all.
Also there was someone called Nashreen Chaudhury, and that's also a character in Doctor Who (or well her last name is spelled differently). (That episode aired after this book was released, so I'm not implying anything but it was just funny). Also, every time Sebastian was mentioned, I pictured Radagast's hedgehog, just a side note.
The Romance - Ugh don't get me started on this. Clary thinks she's not pretty, or 'not as pretty as Isabelle' which is actually really stupid (why compare yourself to another girl, why do girls do that?). But yet she has not one, not two but THREE love interests. And one of them is her brother (gross). Also the whole thing between Isabelle and Simon, why?
The Plot - It reminded me a lot of Deathly Hallows. Except for the fact that Valentine was looking for all three of the Mortal Instruments, and not just one (like Voldemort, who was only after the Elder Wand). There was Idris being protected by the ward or w/e (like Hogwarts being protected etc), then there was the part where demons were suddenly inside Idris, and a huge fight. Valentine calling back his troops and wanting to take over the clave or something like that. Then he gave them until midnight the next day to decide or else he would enter Idris again and kill every last man *gasp*, woman *gasp* and child *no*.
And then the next chapter is called 'In the Dark Forest', which is exactly the place Voldemort is hiding himself, and exactly the place Harry is going to get killed. Like Jace is doing, wowowowowowowoww.
I didn't really pay attention to the rest of the plot, because I actually thought it was a tiny bit boring (it was basically them wanting to wake up Clary's mum).
The Writing - I just don't know what to say about this. If there is one thing I don't like, it's characters talking in different languages (especially those that I don't speak), and it not being translated into English (at the bottom of the page or something, you know?!). And no, I don't feel like Google-translating every bloody sentence every time. there was literally one word I understood, and that was 'Vale', and that was because of Doctor Who (Vale Decem... *sobs*)
I was also really annoyed by the change in POV's the entire time. I would have accepted it better when it was a POV a chapter, but the POV just changes randomly after a tiny cliffhanger bit which weren't really all that shocking in my opinion. This is one of the main reasons I stopped reading.
So, in the end, I am just going to say 'vale' (see what I did there) to this book series, and I hope I never have to see you again!
jenbsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This book took me a long time to get through ... not because it was 500+ pages, or because I didn't like it, but because it wasn't digital. Digital is just easier to take with me, to read in bed or on exercise equipment ... anyway. I did really like the book, and finally a little over halfway I got hooked enough (and my digital alternatives were a little bland) that I finished it up quickly (at that point).
I was a little slow to warm up to the series initially, book 1 was just ok for me. I like the sequels where the characters are established and there is a connection from the get-go. There was a ton of action, and my suspicion (about a certain sibling relationship) was proved to be true (I was pretty certain, otherwise I might have been a little turned off by certain incestuous thoughts/behavior).
I liked the ending ... felt it was an ending (I guess originally it was only going to be a trilogy?). I'm not sure whether to continue on at this point, as the 6th book isn't written, and my library doesn't have these (or the InfernalDevices series) in digital format... hmmmm.
I did have a QUESTION ... on page 301, in the middle of the page, these two sentences were back to back ... "The wards were back up, but weaker than before. The wards were back up, but stronger than before" ummmmm ... did this get missed in editing, or am I missing something??? *** and I was missing something (see comments *Ü*)
I was a little slow to warm up to the series initially, book 1 was just ok for me. I like the sequels where the characters are established and there is a connection from the get-go. There was a ton of action, and my suspicion (about a certain sibling relationship) was proved to be true (I was pretty certain, otherwise I might have been a little turned off by certain incestuous thoughts/behavior).
I liked the ending ... felt it was an ending (I guess originally it was only going to be a trilogy?). I'm not sure whether to continue on at this point, as the 6th book isn't written, and my library doesn't have these (or the InfernalDevices series) in digital format... hmmmm.
I did have a QUESTION ... on page 301, in the middle of the page, these two sentences were back to back ... "The wards were back up, but weaker than before. The wards were back up, but stronger than before" ummmmm ... did this get missed in editing, or am I missing something??? *** and I was missing something (see comments *Ü*)
jenbsbooks's review
4.0
Continuing on with my re-read of this series ... although going forward, it will no longer be a re-read as I stopped at this point nine years ago (just felt like this wrapped things up, and at that point the series was unfinished, and I think I needed this re-read before continuing on). I didn't remember enough to really feel like this was a re-read, although a few things felt familiar, more than my usual "I think I know what's going to happen" feel. I also went with audio this go round.
They switched narrators from book 1 to book 2 ... here it was the same as book 2. While I will grudgingly accept that stele could be pronounced (stell-A, rhymes with bell) whereas I (and the narrator of book one) gave it a long E sound (it just seems to fit, like perhaps it was made of steel?). But the word "dais" ... I'll grant that some British pronunciation (this was a plain ol'American accent) will say it like "bias" with a long I, but here in the U.S., it's pronounced Day-us. Like the word bias, the letter in front has the long sound. Oh my heavens, in the final third of the book, it was Die-us, Die-us, Die-us - it was said SO many times!
As for the story - I liked this, lots of action. I'll admit I was a bit distracted (multi-tasking while listening), but it was less of an issue as this was a re-read. I am going forward with the series this time, although the next book is about a seven week wait at the library ...
They switched narrators from book 1 to book 2 ... here it was the same as book 2. While I will grudgingly accept that stele could be pronounced (stell-A, rhymes with bell) whereas I (and the narrator of book one) gave it a long E sound (it just seems to fit, like perhaps it was made of steel?). But the word "dais" ... I'll grant that some British pronunciation (this was a plain ol'American accent) will say it like "bias" with a long I, but here in the U.S., it's pronounced Day-us. Like the word bias, the letter in front has the long sound. Oh my heavens, in the final third of the book, it was Die-us, Die-us, Die-us - it was said SO many times!
As for the story - I liked this, lots of action. I'll admit I was a bit distracted (multi-tasking while listening), but it was less of an issue as this was a re-read. I am going forward with the series this time, although the next book is about a seven week wait at the library ...
oranges448's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
booksandpajamas's review against another edition
5.0
Also published here: https://thedailyplanets.wordpress.com/2016/08/15/review-city-of-glass-by-cassandra-clare/
City of Glass was one of my favorite books in this series. So much that happened. From plot twists, and let me tell you: it were a lot, to my favorite characters being freaking adorable and brave.
I loved how we finally got to see Idris and not just New York. So much is revealed about the world of Shadowhunters and I truly enjoyed that. I loved getting to know more about Idris and Alicante and all its flaws and perfections. I loved the setting of it.
The new characters were interesting. Especially Sebastian. He's mysterious and you can't really get a hold of him. Which, of course, makes you want to know more.
Like I said, so much happens in this book. This book is packed with heartbreak, loss, action, love and twists.
The end truly surprised me. Like, I had absolutely not expected that to happen. I was amazed Cassandra did that and I actually kept saying yes in my head, because I loved it! Well, not the other things. The things where my favorite characters were in danger. That was not okay.
“People aren't born good or bad. Maybe they're born with tendencies either way, but its the way you live your life that matters.”
City of Glass was one of my favorite books in this series. So much that happened. From plot twists, and let me tell you: it were a lot, to my favorite characters being freaking adorable and brave.
I loved how we finally got to see Idris and not just New York. So much is revealed about the world of Shadowhunters and I truly enjoyed that. I loved getting to know more about Idris and Alicante and all its flaws and perfections. I loved the setting of it.
The new characters were interesting. Especially Sebastian. He's mysterious and you can't really get a hold of him. Which, of course, makes you want to know more.
Like I said, so much happens in this book. This book is packed with heartbreak, loss, action, love and twists.
The end truly surprised me. Like, I had absolutely not expected that to happen. I was amazed Cassandra did that and I actually kept saying yes in my head, because I loved it! Well, not the other things. The things where my favorite characters were in danger. That was not okay.