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A review by swolds
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I remember from a younger age, my teens, that I flew through Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments. It was so long ago that I forgot a lot of how the books went. For me, it was easier to set myself into this book than the previous two, that seemed heavy. This one was more plot driven whereas the previous two was presenting the world - getting us to know it and the characters.
We see several characters find more of who they are and make self-discovery. We see different ways in which sacrifice and duty is displayed and looked upon in this society from both born Shadowhunters and downworlders as well as from those newly initiated into this world. The love and relationship dynamics in the book is growing and developing beautifully. It is a lot of growth in this area, I feel like. Let’s not forget about good versus evil! That is most certainly a clear trope in this book. And lastly … we see the importance of family and loyalty to one another. To trust each other even though we are different and come from different background. The book brings several unique individuals together for one common challenge.
I enjoyed the book, but also noticed I was stress-reading because I wanted to be done with it - so it was enjoyable, but at the same time not? It’s a weird feeling. Still a 4 star read though! What I thoroughly miss in Cassandra’s books, especially TMI series is that the book should be easier to read - maybe more distance between the lines, because it is pretty cramped, and the long chapters (20-40+ pages) makes the book naturally more heavy to get through in my opinion. Regardless, I still enjoy the characters, worldbuilding and the way the plot goes. I can’t wait to keep going deeper into the universe, with «The Red Scrolls of Magic» that focuses on a certain Shadowhunter and his warlock during the time after the first three TMI books.
We see several characters find more of who they are and make self-discovery. We see different ways in which sacrifice and duty is displayed and looked upon in this society from both born Shadowhunters and downworlders as well as from those newly initiated into this world. The love and relationship dynamics in the book is growing and developing beautifully. It is a lot of growth in this area, I feel like. Let’s not forget about good versus evil! That is most certainly a clear trope in this book. And lastly … we see the importance of family and loyalty to one another. To trust each other even though we are different and come from different background. The book brings several unique individuals together for one common challenge.
I enjoyed the book, but also noticed I was stress-reading because I wanted to be done with it - so it was enjoyable, but at the same time not? It’s a weird feeling. Still a 4 star read though! What I thoroughly miss in Cassandra’s books, especially TMI series is that the book should be easier to read - maybe more distance between the lines, because it is pretty cramped, and the long chapters (20-40+ pages) makes the book naturally more heavy to get through in my opinion. Regardless, I still enjoy the characters, worldbuilding and the way the plot goes. I can’t wait to keep going deeper into the universe, with «The Red Scrolls of Magic» that focuses on a certain Shadowhunter and his warlock during the time after the first three TMI books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death and Emotional abuse
Minor: Cursing