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readwithmesashamarie's review against another edition
4.0
This novel was a great introduction to the Shadowhunter word. Though I had already read one book set in this fantasy world, this book did a great job introducing the reader to new terms, a myriad of creatures, weapons, and ideologies. We also had an interesting cohort of characters to work with right from the start.
What I found so interesting about these novels is the way we were able to switch and follow different characters, despite not utilizing first person POV. For me this writing style almost became an extension of the story, as if we the reader were some omniscient, all powerful being watching these characters scramble about after each other.
I found this first novel very predictable. There were no shocking moments, revelations, or plot twists that got my adrenaline pumping. While it was very enjoyable, the characters drove this story forward and kept my interest more than the plot itself.
As we are introduced to many characters through backstories, flashbacks, discussions of family heritage and origins, there were a handful of times when some of the comments came off with racially charged undertones. Am I being too perceptive? Was this a character flaw designed to signal the time period? As a white woman I don't feel qualified to decide, but I just wanted to mention that throughout this trilogy there were a handful of phrases or stereotypes used that made me pause, and squint at the page.
This first novel was incredibly character driven for me as the reader. While I was vaguely curious about what twists might happen in the next novel, I was more excited to have a chance to spend more time with these characters and watch watch shenanigans they'd get up to next.
What I found so interesting about these novels is the way we were able to switch and follow different characters, despite not utilizing first person POV. For me this writing style almost became an extension of the story, as if we the reader were some omniscient, all powerful being watching these characters scramble about after each other.
I found this first novel very predictable. There were no shocking moments, revelations, or plot twists that got my adrenaline pumping. While it was very enjoyable, the characters drove this story forward and kept my interest more than the plot itself.
As we are introduced to many characters through backstories, flashbacks, discussions of family heritage and origins, there were a handful of times when some of the comments came off with racially charged undertones. Am I being too perceptive? Was this a character flaw designed to signal the time period? As a white woman I don't feel qualified to decide, but I just wanted to mention that throughout this trilogy there were a handful of phrases or stereotypes used that made me pause, and squint at the page.
This first novel was incredibly character driven for me as the reader. While I was vaguely curious about what twists might happen in the next novel, I was more excited to have a chance to spend more time with these characters and watch watch shenanigans they'd get up to next.
jenns09's review against another edition
5.0
This book makes me pity those who will snub YA books simply becuause they think they are only for teens. Cassandra Clare has created such a beautifullly terrifying world with her Shadowhunters. Her words draw you into this world and makes it painfully hard to leave.
trippyhippybluh's review against another edition
3.0
“Sometimes, when I have to do something I don't want to do, I pretend I'm a character from a book. It's easier to know what they would do.”
“Whatever you are physically...male or female, strong or weak, ill or healthy--all those things matter less than what your heart contains. If you have the soul of a warrior, you are a warrior. All those other things, they are the glass that contains the lamp, but you are the light inside.”
“Whatever you are physically...male or female, strong or weak, ill or healthy--all those things matter less than what your heart contains. If you have the soul of a warrior, you are a warrior. All those other things, they are the glass that contains the lamp, but you are the light inside.”
adrihean's review against another edition
5.0
“It's all right to love someone who doesn't love you back, as long as they're worth you loving them. As long as they deserve it.”
verorinconin's review against another edition
4.0
mmmm estoy entre el 3'5-4 quizás al final sea un 4 por ese último 15% Pero hubo momentos que se me hizo un poquitín pesado aun así es una historia genial y deja con ganas de más.
mars_thereader's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so I did technically like the book but I’m not sure that it’s above a 4. Why Tessa? Why be mad at Will? Can we just not do that? No reason for that whatsoever. Also, I hope Jem lives a good life forever how long he lives. Charlotte deserves better, yes her husband is nice an all, Henry isn’t available for her both physically and emotionally. Jess was just…I don’t even know. Really old fashioned, it’s unnerving. Overall this book was pretty good.
amyo122's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely brilliant!!!!
A friend of mine made this statement "Being back in Cassie's world was like being with an old friend!!" and I couldn't agree more. LOVED this book!
A friend of mine made this statement "Being back in Cassie's world was like being with an old friend!!" and I couldn't agree more. LOVED this book!
hmsand796's review against another edition
3.0
Well, this was a tough one for me to get into- I wasn't in the right frame of mind for a YA or a period piece to begin with and there wasn't any action to grip me until about halfway through the book. That being said lots of weirdness and mystery did grab my attention. The characters reminded me of Mortal Instruments characters right away: Will was very Jace-like and ticked me off with his snarky attitude and general I don't need anyone attitude, Jessamine was Isabelle-like with an I'm above all attitude, Tessa was Clary-like with having everything she's known ripped out from under her and the whole self discovery that comes along with it, Jem was Simon-like with a sweetheart attitude and the loyal friend vibe. But I did enjoy returning to the Shadowhunter world. And I enjoyed the relationship tension between Will and Tessa- he really broke my heart with the conversation on the rooftop and I'm not sure where they are going to end up.
Once the story picked up, I was hooked and finished it rather quickly. Plot twists that I didn't expect were very welcome in the second half of the book and the ending has me curious about where this series is going, so I'll continue with it.
Once the story picked up, I was hooked and finished it rather quickly. Plot twists that I didn't expect were very welcome in the second half of the book and the ending has me curious about where this series is going, so I'll continue with it.