A review by smiletall_
Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare
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.