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cloudydoudy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mybookishhedgemaze's review against another edition
2.0
As I read the Mortal Instruments series, I found myself thinking, with each book, how terribly predictable it all was. If the heroine shouldn't do something because it was stupid or risky, she did it, and the results were exactly what the reader would expect. All of the characters were unrealistically blind to utterly obvious occurrences in their day-to-day lives (namely romantic interest in each other, their own heritage, etc). I'm sorry, but if the conclusion to each story-line is obvious to the reader (who isn't given all of the facts or details), then it'd be obvious to the characters in the books (assuming that they're of average intelligence).
That aside, Ms. Clare's writing-style is captivating, relatable, humourous, and even pleasantly verbose compared to other YA authors I've chanced upon. Some readers may need a dictionary (admittedly, I did for one or two words) as both archaic and little-known words are used, but I encourage that in authors, and try to practice it myself as a writer.
All in all, the Mortal Instruments series (all six books, not just the 4 this title notes) is an ok read. Advanced readers or higher minded youths may find this series a quick read (I completed it in less than a week...though, admittedly, that involved some all-nighting).
For cautious parents, there is quite a bit of swearing in this series (though typically "mild"), casual discussions of sex and past partners, and romantic scenes which escalate from covert kisses to "love" scenes (sex scenes)and fetishistic sex (with vampires, werewolves, etc things are bound to get strange) in the later books. Also, predictable to the subject-material of this series, there is a great deal of violence, disturbing, nightmarish scenes, and so on.
I'd rate this series as age 17 & up, no younger.
For more detailed information, I'd suggest you consult commonsensemedia.com for each book, as that site will give more precise details on violence, sex, swearing, positive messages, commercialism/consumerism, drugs/drinking/smoking, educational value, et cetera.
That aside, Ms. Clare's writing-style is captivating, relatable, humourous, and even pleasantly verbose compared to other YA authors I've chanced upon. Some readers may need a dictionary (admittedly, I did for one or two words) as both archaic and little-known words are used, but I encourage that in authors, and try to practice it myself as a writer.
All in all, the Mortal Instruments series (all six books, not just the 4 this title notes) is an ok read. Advanced readers or higher minded youths may find this series a quick read (I completed it in less than a week...though, admittedly, that involved some all-nighting).
For cautious parents, there is quite a bit of swearing in this series (though typically "mild"), casual discussions of sex and past partners, and romantic scenes which escalate from covert kisses to "love" scenes (sex scenes)and fetishistic sex (with vampires, werewolves, etc things are bound to get strange) in the later books. Also, predictable to the subject-material of this series, there is a great deal of violence, disturbing, nightmarish scenes, and so on.
I'd rate this series as age 17 & up, no younger.
For more detailed information, I'd suggest you consult commonsensemedia.com for each book, as that site will give more precise details on violence, sex, swearing, positive messages, commercialism/consumerism, drugs/drinking/smoking, educational value, et cetera.
anigoose's review against another edition
1.0
One of my husband's students said the wisest thing to him in class the other day:
"The only time the color of someone's eyes matters is in fanfiction."
Cassandra, you ain't writing fanfiction no more. I sincerely hope that in later books she got out of the habit of describing every. damn. thing. But I won't be finding that out for myself.
"The only time the color of someone's eyes matters is in fanfiction."
Cassandra, you ain't writing fanfiction no more. I sincerely hope that in later books she got out of the habit of describing every. damn. thing. But I won't be finding that out for myself.
habibaaibrahim's review against another edition
5.0
This just keeps getting better and better. I am in love with the third and fourth book!!!
haldirien's review against another edition
5.0
(edit 28/08/19: since the show came out i really dislike the books and the show showed me how to handle things better than the book but i didn't wanna delete my review so)
Best one in the series. Even tho it is longest, it was the most quick one for me to finish. I finish it like in 3-4 days. I normally read slow so... It was wonderful. We go deeps of each character. Actions, emotions were so deep. e.g we went through to Alec's personality more. Malec WAS AWESOME. Book made me cry so much. Feels were so good. It was fast read and was perfect book for series end. We were introduced with the new book's characters. I'm so ready for Lady Midnight. I'm in love with Mark Blackthorn already.
Sebastians' last moments, moment of cooperation with Asmodeus, Simon! Isabelle... There were SO MANY tears let me tell ya.
It was best one for me in the series.
Best one in the series. Even tho it is longest, it was the most quick one for me to finish. I finish it like in 3-4 days. I normally read slow so... It was wonderful. We go deeps of each character. Actions, emotions were so deep. e.g we went through to Alec's personality more. Malec WAS AWESOME. Book made me cry so much. Feels were so good. It was fast read and was perfect book for series end. We were introduced with the new book's characters. I'm so ready for Lady Midnight. I'm in love with Mark Blackthorn already.
It was best one for me in the series.