samidhak's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
That ending! God, why’d she do that?
So Lord of Shadows was a ride, and judging by the length of the next book, I think Queen of Air and Darkness is going to be something else entirely. Although, I will admit that Cassie did a good job of keeping me hooked and entertained but somehow I thought Lady Midnight was better plotted. There were a lot of action scenes that I totally skipped, though I am so ready for all the romances/ships that are sailing right now.
Parts of the book seemed dragged and felt unwanted. Especially repetition, maybe I felt irritated by the repetition because I just finished Lady Midnight last month and I already knew that plot and didn’t want to spend pages discussing it. I will admit though that I had sworn off C Clare books and her love triangle, but a certain love triangle in this book is really making me appreciate her as a writer, because I just can’t decide whom I love more. I liked how other character got more depth, and had far better screen time than Emma and Julian. Especially Diana, I loved her bit. I always appreciate books that surprise me and that bit made me fly right outta my bed. SO GOOD, and so inclusionary.
All in all, it’s been a long time since I’ve been so invested in the lives of certain fictional characters and really feel their world and their sorrow.I can’t wait to read the final book, I am so glad I started this series once all the books were out.
That ending! God, why’d she do that?
So Lord of Shadows was a ride, and judging by the length of the next book, I think Queen of Air and Darkness is going to be something else entirely. Although, I will admit that Cassie did a good job of keeping me hooked and entertained but somehow I thought Lady Midnight was better plotted. There were a lot of action scenes that I totally skipped, though I am so ready for all the romances/ships that are sailing right now.
Parts of the book seemed dragged and felt unwanted. Especially repetition, maybe I felt irritated by the repetition because I just finished Lady Midnight last month and I already knew that plot and didn’t want to spend pages discussing it. I will admit though that I had sworn off C Clare books and her love triangle, but a certain love triangle in this book is really making me appreciate her as a writer, because I just can’t decide whom I love more. I liked how other character got more depth, and had far better screen time than Emma and Julian. Especially Diana, I loved her bit. I always appreciate books that surprise me and that bit made me fly right outta my bed. SO GOOD, and so inclusionary.
All in all, it’s been a long time since I’ve been so invested in the lives of certain fictional characters and really feel their world and their sorrow.I can’t wait to read the final book, I am so glad I started this series once all the books were out.
rabhya07's review against another edition
5.0
This book had a lot of character advancement. This time, I really enjoyed reading perspectives of the Blackthorn kids! Many ships have started sailing and I can’t wait to see those ships in the final book. The ending though
smiletall_'s review against another edition
4.0
4.25/5
Well, things got very complicated, didn't they?
So much stuff happens in this installment. And it's even longer than the one before.
Even though it mostly sets up the next book, it thankfully didn't feel too heavy on filler because so much happens in different locations. The story also doesn't feel as stagnant as I typically expect second books within a trilogy to be. Mostly, I think it really helps that I just like the cast of characters so much more than I did in the Mortal Instruments series. Even the Infernal Devices had some characters that were aggravating. But I am generally charmed by the entire Blackthorn clan & Co.
Cassandra Clare still has an inclination for extremely complicated storylines and it seems things will only get messier in the third book. But at least her character development has significantly matured and at great benefit to the story. The characters feel much more grounded, their motivations make more sense, and the relationships just feel deeper and richer. I also really appreciated that Emma and Julian consider each other as equals in every aspect. It's such a breath of fresh air compared to her previous female protagonists who were always new to the Shadowhunter world and clumsily trying to prove how helpful they could be.
I was also surprised by the large presence of characters from the Mortal Instruments series in this installment. I guess it makes sense since the story is only 5 years later after City of Heavenly Fire, but many spin-off series do not go beyond the casual name drop or a limited appearance. I wasn't sure how I felt about it at first, but then it kind of grew on me. While Jace and Clary are my least favorite, it was only because I hated the way they lacked a more nuanced character arc. And they were just kind of annoying as angsty star-crossed teenage lovers. But they are older here and it definitely makes a difference. It also also helps that I am no longer privy to every angst-ridden thought of theirs. There's enough of that to go around as it is. But events did make me extremely curious about Alec and Magnus.
Also that ending was intense. While it didn't hit me as hard as anything in the Infernal Devices on an emotional level, I was still struck. I also was kind of impressed that Clare made those decisions. As compared to the Mortal Instruments where everything always seemed to work itself out by the end of each book, the stakes actually felt real here and the consequences weighty. One thing's for sure: the repercussions are going to be massive and heartbreaking.
Well, things got very complicated, didn't they?
So much stuff happens in this installment. And it's even longer than the one before.
Even though it mostly sets up the next book, it thankfully didn't feel too heavy on filler because so much happens in different locations. The story also doesn't feel as stagnant as I typically expect second books within a trilogy to be. Mostly, I think it really helps that I just like the cast of characters so much more than I did in the Mortal Instruments series. Even the Infernal Devices had some characters that were aggravating. But I am generally charmed by the entire Blackthorn clan & Co.
Cassandra Clare still has an inclination for extremely complicated storylines and it seems things will only get messier in the third book. But at least her character development has significantly matured and at great benefit to the story. The characters feel much more grounded, their motivations make more sense, and the relationships just feel deeper and richer. I also really appreciated that Emma and Julian consider each other as equals in every aspect. It's such a breath of fresh air compared to her previous female protagonists who were always new to the Shadowhunter world and clumsily trying to prove how helpful they could be.
I was also surprised by the large presence of characters from the Mortal Instruments series in this installment. I guess it makes sense since the story is only 5 years later after City of Heavenly Fire, but many spin-off series do not go beyond the casual name drop or a limited appearance. I wasn't sure how I felt about it at first, but then it kind of grew on me. While Jace and Clary are my least favorite, it was only because I hated the way they lacked a more nuanced character arc. And they were just kind of annoying as angsty star-crossed teenage lovers. But they are older here and it definitely makes a difference. It also also helps that I am no longer privy to every angst-ridden thought of theirs. There's enough of that to go around as it is. But events did make me extremely curious about Alec and Magnus.
Also that ending was intense. While it didn't hit me as hard as anything in the Infernal Devices on an emotional level, I was still struck. I also was kind of impressed that Clare made those decisions. As compared to the Mortal Instruments where everything always seemed to work itself out by the end of each book, the stakes actually felt real here and the consequences weighty. One thing's for sure: the repercussions are going to be massive and heartbreaking.
minlara's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
niya_bdzh's review against another edition
5.0
Honestly, I don’t know how I’m supposed to read the next book.
hopecandie's review against another edition
5.0
"the wound is the place where the Light enters you."
okay, what the fuck was that ending??? cassandra clare, i did NOT give you permission to break my heart like that (lol) and make me cry like a baby.
i’m still sobbing but let’s review: this book truly is next level on the shadowhunters chronicles. the writing, the plotting (hOW. WHY.), the character development, the expansion of the world building; absolutely everything is next level.
i didn’t think i could love this universe and these characters more already, but damn. lady midnight was good but this is wow. i loved the characters dynamics, i was not bored at all during some intrigues even though the book is thick. we’re clearly a loooong way from tmi or tid. also: good job on the representation. this series is getting more and more inclusive and that’s really well done.
now about that ending..... i’ve been spoiled but never, NEVER, would i have expected this chaos. that is how you end a book with a bang. that is how you break a reader’s heart. that is how you make people care, with characters they didn’t think they connected previously.
y’all weren’t lying when saying it was harsh. i do need some time to recover before jumping into qoaad tho.
okay, what the fuck was that ending??? cassandra clare, i did NOT give you permission to break my heart like that (lol) and make me cry like a baby.
i’m still sobbing but let’s review: this book truly is next level on the shadowhunters chronicles. the writing, the plotting (hOW. WHY.), the character development, the expansion of the world building; absolutely everything is next level.
i didn’t think i could love this universe and these characters more already, but damn. lady midnight was good but this is wow. i loved the characters dynamics, i was not bored at all during some intrigues even though the book is thick. we’re clearly a loooong way from tmi or tid. also: good job on the representation. this series is getting more and more inclusive and that’s really well done.
now about that ending..... i’ve been spoiled but never, NEVER, would i have expected this chaos. that is how you end a book with a bang. that is how you break a reader’s heart. that is how you make people care, with characters they didn’t think they connected previously.
y’all weren’t lying when saying it was harsh. i do need some time to recover before jumping into qoaad tho.
janicewangg's review against another edition
5.0
This is not going to be a review because I am a mess. This book messed up my soul...
And I loved every bit of it. 4.5 stars/5 stars. (I took out the .5 because there was some inconsistency in the plot and some errors in grammar which I can get pretty picky about)
Guys, the song Never Be the Same by Camilla Cabello is literally Emma and Julian’s song. I get triggered every time I hear it. Like I want to break down and cry because all I can think about is them.
Anyways, I’m dead.
The ending. I could not stop crying. Livy. It was so tragically beautiful and I died. The last sentence though. It broke me. Even more than I was already broken. Cassie just hit us in the gut. Hard. BDJDIWJOSHBDN. Okay I’m going to stop or else I’m going to burst into tears.
I love Kit and Ty!! They’re so going to be a couple aha. Livyknows<\s> knew it...
I KNEW THE WEAPON EVERYONE WAS LOOKING FOR WAS SEBASTIAN’S SON!! Dru!!!!
WAS ANNABELLE WORKING WITH THE UNSEELIE KING ALL ALONG??!! POOR ALEC. OMG MAGNUS. AGGH I CANT.
I loved all the funny (kind of) TID cameos!
POOR JULES AND EMMA. With Robert dead, they won’t get the exile they wanted...
This book was painful guys. I can’t even comprehend my thoughts.
#MarkandCristinaForever
#HotFaerieThreesome LOL
I love Emma’s humor and sarcasm!
I’m really worried about Julian. He has already begun to show bits of the darkness within him but now... with the death of Livy... I think he will give in to his dark side and will literally do anything to protect the rest of the ones he loves...
And I loved every bit of it. 4.5 stars/5 stars. (I took out the .5 because there was some inconsistency in the plot and some errors in grammar which I can get pretty picky about)
Guys, the song Never Be the Same by Camilla Cabello is literally Emma and Julian’s song. I get triggered every time I hear it. Like I want to break down and cry because all I can think about is them.
Anyways, I’m dead.
The ending. I could not stop crying. Livy. It was so tragically beautiful and I died. The last sentence though. It broke me. Even more than I was already broken. Cassie just hit us in the gut. Hard. BDJDIWJOSHBDN. Okay I’m going to stop or else I’m going to burst into tears.
I love Kit and Ty!! They’re so going to be a couple aha. Livy
I KNEW THE WEAPON EVERYONE WAS LOOKING FOR WAS SEBASTIAN’S SON!! Dru!!!!
WAS ANNABELLE WORKING WITH THE UNSEELIE KING ALL ALONG??!! POOR ALEC. OMG MAGNUS. AGGH I CANT.
I loved all the funny (kind of) TID cameos!
POOR JULES AND EMMA. With Robert dead, they won’t get the exile they wanted...
This book was painful guys. I can’t even comprehend my thoughts.
#MarkandCristinaForever
#HotFaerieThreesome LOL
I love Emma’s humor and sarcasm!
I’m really worried about Julian. He has already begun to show bits of the darkness within him but now... with the death of Livy... I think he will give in to his dark side and will literally do anything to protect the rest of the ones he loves...