City of Bones / City of Ashes / City of Glass / City of Fallen Angels / City of Lost Souls

The Mortal Instruments #1-5

by Cassandra Clare

The first five books in the #1 New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series, now available in a collectible paperback boxed set.

Enter the secret world of the Shadowhunters with this handsomely packaged boxed set that includes City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, and City of Lost Souls. The Mortal Instruments series has more than 20 million copies in print worldwide, and this collectible set of five hardcover volumes is a perfect gift for newcomers to the series and for loyal fans alike.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Fiction, Vampires

2496 pages, Hardcover

First published October 23, 2012

About the author

Cassandra Clare was born to American parents in Tehran, Iran and spent much of her childhood travelling the world with her family, including one trek through the Himalayas as a toddler where she spent a month living in her father’s backpack. She lived in France, England and Switzerland before she was ten years old.

Since her family moved around so much she found familiarity in books and went everywhere with a book under her arm. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles where she used to write stories to amuse her classmates, including an epic novel called “The Beautiful Cassandra” based on a Jane Austen short story of the same name (and which later inspired her current pen name).

After college, Cassie lived in Los Angeles and New York where she worked at various entertainment magazines and even some rather suspect tabloids where she reported on Brad and Angelina’s world travels and Britney Spears’ wardrobe malfunctions. She started working on her YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan, her favourite city. She turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006 and hopes never to have to write about Paris Hilton again.
Cassie’s first professional writing sale was a short story called “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord” in a Baen anthology of humor fantasy. Cassie hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines.

City of Bones was her first novel. Sword Catcher is her most recent novel.

Reviews

[Jinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly the best fantasy world I've read of so far. The story is so gripping and the plot is insane! I nearly broke window after the first book; it was so twisted in the end I wanted to hurl but at the same time the book was sooo good! I had to read the next book. And from then I was hooked. When I finished the City of Lost souls, book 5 I knew there would be more but then I discovered that I have to wait til September 2014! I wanted to punch myself! The books are that good. Will Book 6 be the final book? Will Sebastian finally be stopped? What's in store for Magnus/Alec? What about Simon and Isabelle? Will Jace and Clary get it in!!! Oh the Agony!

But on a serious note. these books are soo good I'm writing a shitty review because I can't even describe it. You have to read them yourself ^_^.

[Prabhjot Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

City of Bones - 3 stars

City of Ashes - 3.5 stars

City of Glass - 4 stars

City of Fallen Angels - 2-2.5 stars

City of Lost Souls - 3.5 stars

Isabella is queen. she is my favorite character in the series. I love Magnus and Alec and Simon too. Clary and Jace have been consistently annoying and I don't like them. It is an interesting series and it changes course as the series progresses. Not a bad series.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend loaned me the first book in this series in trade paperback. I got through it in a day and was dying to read the next few, and when I went online to price the e-books, discovered the most economical choice was to purchase the first five in a single e-book. I read the subsequent four in short order, and I was very pleased with the series, in general.

First off, I don't read a lot of YA these days. I tend to lose patience with the characters too easily, but that didn't happen this time. Instead, my only big issue was the total lack of parental supervision throughout. For parents of preschoolers, it's like Dora in her teenage years. I realize that this series is targeted at teens, and that's why the main characters are teens, but I just feel like it would have been a lot more believable if they were 20-somethings. Of course, that would have made the romance a bit more racy too. It was very PG, which I'm sure I'll appreciate some day when my kids are old enough for this.

The protagonist, Clary, is almost immediately thrust into a new world in City of Bones. I enjoyed that the action took off immediately, and really kept pace throughout the series. Cary and the supporting characters all displayed a healthy amount of growth throughout the books. The conflicts were interesting and the group dynamic grew and changed right along with the characters. I have a lot of questions, however, which I'll avoid posting because they're all spoilers. I look forward to reading book 6 whenever it comes out.

[IT English · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassandra Clare induces the reader into a fantasy world full of beings, both good and evil, not visible to the mortal eye except for a few people with special skills with the saga The Mortal Instruments, which is formed by six books. Those people are the Shadowhunters, they are a secret race that was created with the combination of Angel Raziel’s blood and human blood, which gives them exceptional abilities. They have the Sight, which allows them to see beyond the human world and protect Mundanes from the horrors and dangers of the Shadow World such as evil warlocks, demons, vampires, werewolves, and even fairies.
Clary Fray is a normal teenager living an ordinary life when she discovers she can see things others cannot. She learns that there is an unknown world for her to which she is connected because her parents belong to it. Demonic things threaten her life, Simon’s life, her lifelong friend, and the life of some Shadowhunters that Clary gets to know and cares about, especially Jace. In this story, Clary realizes that blood is not the strongest union between humans or Shadowhunters and that it can even turn against you.
It is one of my favorite sagas not only because I really enjoy reading fantasy and adventure books, but because the author reflects the values of friendship, the ‘parabatai bond’ between some of the characters, and the importance of family and love. You get deeply involved with their relationships and each character reaches your heart in a special way.
This saga was so successful that it was decided to adapt it to the big screen, although the result of the adaptation of the first book was not highly acclaimed, fans obtained an alternative with which to satisfy their love for The Mortal Instruments, a series that tells us about the events from the six books as accurately as possible.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read these books quite a number of years ago I was recently reminded why I loved them and Cassandra’s work so much after watching the TV series yet again. I thought I had left reviews for these books but alas I didn’t so now I am correcting this wrong.
This multilayered is a popular YA tale creates a dangerous web that will leave your heart racing. The story packs a punch, and I loved its originality, uniqueness, and vividly rich narrative. It is definitely a page-turner, filled with danger, action, adventure, and intrigue.
The writing is well-crafted, with a touch of darkness, sensuality, and emotional depth. With its secrets, lies, danger, suspense, and palpable tension, this story and its characters provide a captivating journey.
This is a must-read, and I won't give anything away because the joy of discovery is something you should experience for yourself.
It is an addictive and gripping paranormal tale. The storyline is well woven and is good read. It features mystery, tension, and anticipation that are truly well done.
The characters find themselves caught in a deadly game that they may not survive as they uncover deadly schemes, and hidden agendas.

[Shayna Varadeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

***City of Bones

Oh my! This book is not a dull moment sort of book. I have to remind myself how old they are.
And holy moly!

******SPOILER ALERT!!!******

So by chapter 22 I was talking to myself with an audible OH My GAWD!
I am not happy that Clary is unlucky in love! But it will turn out fine I'm sure I am excited to read the next book!


***City of Ashes

So much happens in this book I was staggeringly stunned more than once! It was indeed a good read! Nail biting and polish chipping occurred! Now onto City of Glass! So glad I got the five first books at once!



*****SPOILER ALERT!********


I don't know what to think about Clary and Jace. The inquisitor died before telling Jace a very crucial piece of info! I could go on and on but I won't! LOVE THIS SERIES!


**City of Glass


Man oh man! I knew this one was gonna be a whopper! I absolutely love Cassandra Clare! GOODREAD!



******SPOILER ALERT *******



I'm ecstatic that we didn't have to wait any longer for the truths to be revealed. Took a trip through grief and sorrow. Annoyance at the close minded and bitter sweet VICTORY!!! I'm so ready for the next book!


*** City of Fallen Angels

OH MY GAWD!!!
I AM SO SHOCKED RIGHT NOW! This book was great and Cassandra Clare is awesome! And then I get to the last few pages and I'm like "NOOOO!"
Man oh man I am so glad I got 5 books at one time! But after City of Lost Souls I am gonna be waiting for more!!! Waaaaa!!!!!!!


***City of Lost Souls


This book was agonizing knowing something was really wrong with Jace . But by the end of this book I was calmer than the others! I would recommend these books a thousand times over! Definitely a GOODREAD!!!!!!

I cannot wait to start the prequel Infernal Devices series! I am now truly looking forward to the movie in August!
Eagerly awaiting book 6!

[Steff Fox · Rating 2 out of 5]

| Reader Fox Blog |


This was...a go back and reread before I get read of all the copies I own on account of the plagiarism. I’ve had these books for a long while, before I ever knew about those issues and, while I cannot fully remove myself from the stain that comes with having given this woman money, I can at least rid myself of the copies in the hopes that someone else will be spared that. Full review to come.

EDIT: I've written a full review, though what is below has been heavily edited due to Goodreads' policies regarding commentary of author behavior within a review. In light of this, you can find the full review on my blog.

My past with City of Bones is actually somewhat of an amusing one at times, but also a rather dejecting one. I cannot even begin with how devastated I was when I first learned of all the issues surrounding these novels and the author who penned them. The interesting thing is that I really enjoyed the books when I first came across them as a teenager, so much so that my first-ever rating of the book was five stars. As I've grown up I find myself feeling more and more embarrassed and disgusted with the fact that I bought these books. Just as I did with Twilight a few months ago, I've decided to re-read Clare's work before ridding myself of the books I've had since high school. I haven't decided yet whether to donate or throw them out, honestly, since I don't know if I want to subject other young readers to them but I definitely don't want these books anymore. And in this sense, I've decided to review each of her books.

As for City of Bones, the fact of the matter is that the novel is largely based around ideas that were borrowed and pulled from a variety of other novels and altered in various, somewhat minute ways in order for the work to transform into Clare's own piece of fiction. Looking below the surface of it all, though, it becomes difficult for me to credit much of the story and the characters to Clare's writing ability as a result of my understanding of where it all came from. I find myself unable to ascertain whether the bits about the story that I enjoyed were actually a result of Clare's own imagination or whether they were borrowed from somewhere else. You really don't have to look far at other reviews to see where the ideas for her story and characters come from, though the majority does appear to be based around Harry Potter.

Clare also has a rather annoying habit of creating extensive love polygons that just become absolutely ridiculous. I've drawn some out before, but just taking a look at this book alone you can see an extensive intermingling of love relationships/pinings. We'll begin with Clary, who can be romantically linked in this novel to both Jace and Simon. Jace can be linked to Clary and Alec. Simon can be linked to Clary and Isabelle. Alec can be linked to Jace and Magnus. Isabelle can be linked to Simon and Meliorn. And that, my friends, is just the first book. It'll get worse later on. Frankly, it's just far too much drama for it to all be necessary.

I can see, at times, why I enjoyed reading this story all those years ago. And I recall becoming emotionally invested enough for this to be the first book I actually threw against a wall upon finishing--I too was thoroughly upset and disgusted with the news brought to light for Clary and Jace via Valentine--and had I not already bought the whole series (I was a little excessive when buying books back then, as I'd not come across the concept that it's perfectly okay to begin a series and not continue on with it) I don't know if I'd have kept reading enough to find out the resolution to this exceedingly disturbing reveal. But I also loved Twilight at this point in my life, to the point that I wasn't aware enough of consent to find the actions of Jacob Black as disgusting as they truly are, so really, can I credit much to the fact that I liked this series? I'm not sure.

Where I'll occasionally find myself rather endeared toward characters, particularly Simon, other characters are frustrating and quick to anger, all of which often ultimately leads to incredibly poor decision making. And I'm left wondering how I liked any of these characters to begin with. There are a lot of problematic pieces to the book as a whole, some of which stem from the blatant ways in which Jace will lash out at anyone, anytime he feels like, others that lie within the unfortunate girl-hate dynamic that exists between Isabelle and Clary, and more that comes from the servant-like roles the gay characters in this novel hold or the power dynamics between an older man in a relationship with a much younger man. I could go on and on about this, but the truth is that others have as well. And you don't have to look far to find it all.

Clare's writing, overall, is inconsistent in quality which often leads me to wonder how much of what I really liked was not her work. While enough was altered for Clare to avoid a plagiarism lawsuit--fair enough--it still leaves me feeling deeply unsure, almost to the point that I hope the parts I like are not hers. Ultimately, though, even I have noticed many grammatical errors and typos throughout the novel. The degree of information that is simply thrown at us rather than shown is immense and often I find that characters don't always act in realistic manners. I'll give her this, though; City of Bones is infinitely better written than Fifty Shades of Gray, so at least she has that merit. All in all, while I was once quite a fan of these books, I'm not as much any longer. Even the show, which I do actually enjoy quite a lot and has fixed numerous issues that the books had, is somewhat seeped in the unfortunate disgrace of the material it is adapted from.

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[Mi Camino Blanco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curiosamente, a diferencia de otras sagas en las que las primeras partes, aceptablemente buenas, dan paso a las finales que ni me apetece leer, en este caso, aunque el primer libro no me llegó a enganchar del todo, los restantes en mi opinión fueron a mejor, siendo de momento el libro cuatro el que más me ha gustado. Supongo que le daré una oportunidad a los siguientes, aunque reconozco que cada vez me aburren más las historias interminables por entregas.

La historia no es ni más ni menos original que otras series parecidas sobre criaturas sobrehumanas y submundos, pero lo que me ha acabado por atraer de ésta son los personajes. Aunque los protagonistas como siempre son la típica pareja de adolescentes enamorados, el resto de personajes secundarios no son meros accesorios ni adornos de la historia, tienen entidad propia y en algunos casos resultan tanto o más interesantes que los protagonistas. No estaría mal una saga spin-off de algunos de ellos.

A destacar como toque original, la historia de amor homosexual de uno de los secundarios, nada habitual en este tipo de libros.

http://micaminoblanco.blogspot.com.es

[Edacheeky · Rating 3 out of 5]

...he wondered if it was only in the act of falling that one could be truly free.
I know the feeling all too well. When you think about it, it's paradoxical, because when you're falling you have no control over what's happening to you. But then falling is like letting go, isn't it? And letting go is a freedom of sorts.

It was nice seeing things from different characters' perspectives, especially getting into Sebastian's mind.

[Noelia Martín Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necesitaba leer algo así. No puedo creer que, a estas alturas, todavía existan historias que no he leído como el "nacimiento" de Sebastian o las escenas extra Clace. Es para matarme. Ahora sí, me han encantado. Supongo que esto soy yo, queriendo releer la saga entera.

[€l!na · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 4th star is sorely given for Magnus and Alec's first kiss!!

[&Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malá chvíľka nostalgie, pretože mi všetci už začali chýbať a nemám čas na re-reading všetkých dielov. :D

[Dafina]

I should not have been reading that maybe siblings maybe not siblings trope at 12 years old….

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Occasionally you read a book and know the writer typed it with one hand. This is one of those books.

[Jenny Jo Weir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes! This is how you do it! The story continues in a very well written manner full of twists and deceit but also full of love and power. I enjoyed reading these very much and was sad when it was over. I'll be checking out more of her books from here out.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Keshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, where to start this review. These books were really good, I mean far better than I was expecting them to be. I'm going to start with Jace because I can't not start with Jace. I started this series near the end of the semester when I had twenty page papers due and exams beginning and no matter how hard I tried (okay maybe I didn't try that hard but whatever) I coukd not put this collection down for long. Jace is hilarious and sarcastic and amazing. I love his character so much! Next up I must admit Simon grew on me but more importantly Simon and Isabelle grew on me. I loved them together! When she left him that note... Ugh I just loved it. Jordan and Maia were a surprise for me. I wasn't expecting to fall for them as much as I did but these characters are just really well formed. Sebastien is a rat basterd. I'm leaving it there, that's more than enough said for him. I was so heartbroken for Alec at the end of the collection. I totally saw it coming but I sympathize with him and I really loved him and Magnus together. Wow, I could write about this book forever but there is only so much fan girling I am willing to do. These books are great, I love them and waiting for the next installment is going to be torture!

[Grace Alayé · Rating 5 out of 5]

no spoilers here. well some new names but no new spoilers.
the first book city of bones: was amazing. i couldnt set it down. jace and clary were just apart of it. the time line the minnor characters and all just blew my mind such a book exsisted.

city of ashes: spoiler alert after book one i had to read book two. magnus had a bigger role and so did alec. jace gave some surprises but simon almost broke my heart. clary and issabelle made me laugh the most. and luke is just awesome. that inquistor was mean but i understand why she threw jace in jail sorta.

city of glass: spoiler alert
the book was breath takeing, i was scared for jace close to the end happy for that darn jonathans death and valentines. poor simon and lol issabelle. yay clary and jace and way to go luke and joyce

city of fallen angles and lost souls: spoiler alert
omg man the books were just to much. i was happy at the last one but very curious at the end. poor jace being stolen away and clary to in love to disbelive he cant be saved.
its about true love and cant wait to read heanly fire.

[Jennifer Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1:
Though I am way outside of the average age of a YA reader ... It was great!

Read it lightening fast because it was SO good! The world is built masterfully & the characters jump of the page.

I tore through this book & then was on to the next!


Book 2:
It was great!  ...  and so the journey continues ...

The world is built masterfully & the characters jump of the page; it is a joy to read and you really feel for Claire ... so much upheaval ...

I tore through this book & then was on to the next!


Book 3:
It was great!

I'm back in this masterfully built world with amazing characters that jump of the page. I get the pleasure of watching the book play out in my brain ... that is the mark of a great book. It is a joy to read and you really feel for Clary ... so much upheaval ...

I tore through this book & then was on to the next!

I have started but not finished the 4th book  ...  I will update when I finish  ...


Book 4:

I started but have not finished this ...


Book 5:

Looking forward to this book & Book 6 eventually!

[Liz Howell · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books would’ve been really good, if not for the fact that Jace is abusive and toxic, and that Clare kept making incesty relationships. Yes, I know Jace and Clary aren’t actually siblings, but they THINK they are and decide to continue their relationship anyway. On top of that, Sebastian, Clary’s ACTUAL brother, seems to also harbor feelings for her. Why did Clare feel the need to write borderline incest into a book meant for teenagers? And beyond that, why did she decide that Jace was going to be abusive and that Clary would continue to love and accept him? There’s loving someone in spite of their flaws, and then there’s allowing them to continually harm you because you love them. Not the same thing. I loved these books until I reached that point, and then I had to put them down.

[Kama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series! It's like the next best thing since Harry Potter! It has tons of fantastical characters like vampires, wearwolves, warlocks, etc. It has romance, comedy, tradgedy, and epic battle scenes. It's about a group of demon hunters called "shadowhunters" which is like a mix between the angelic and human race that fight for good. I couldn't put it down! The books do grow increasingly "worldly" but still stay on a consistant PG13 level which I always find enjoyable. Loved it! I'd recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure novels.

[Just Another Nerdling · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this review will be a whole lot more straight-forward than my single-book series, as I'm reviewing it as a whole. This series is an amazing roller-coaster of emotions and plot, with tiny details that fit together like puzzle pieces to create an amazing story. It has its ups and downs, like any long series, however is wrapped up amazingly in the end!

Now I did the thing that so many people recommended, and read The Infernal Devices before reading the last three Mortal Instrument books, and, I must say, that that was the perfect way to read the series! The last three books are so much more emotional when you actually know who Brother Zachariah and Tessa are, and why Magnus mentions a loyalty to the Herondales! It was also great to have read The Bane Chronicles in between, because he talks about those stories a lot! I also have reviews for both of those sections of the Shadowhunters books!

And now for the last three books; City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls and City of Heavenly Fire!

These three books really felt separate from the first three - whether it is because the main villain of the first 3 books is no longer a concern, or if it's because I waited a while before reading the last 3, but there was a different vibe for sure.

Books 4 and 5 felt like they could have been combined in one - they both seemed loose, not deep enough compared to the others. While the stories were interesting, they felt fluffy. I am sure that the two stories brought from these books could have been put in one big book and would have been just as great!

In this second half, we meet loads of new characters - we get to know Sebastian and his motives better, Jordan is presented, as well as a bunch of other secondary characters that all become increasingly relevant in the best ways.

What I loved is that we get to know the secondary characters more - the first three books were heavily centered around Clary and Jace: Instead, these books show you deeper aspects of Isabelle, Alec, Simon, Magnus, and Maia, which was incredibly interesting! Their backstories and personal stories really bring another color to the books that I loved! I actually really like Sizzy and Malec! While Clace was annoying in books 1-5, they were a lot more credible in book 6!

In general, book 6 was the one that brought out the most emotions in me - Simon's sacrifice, in the end, was heartbreaking! However, I was never 100% sure that some characters died until the book was over and they never showed up again - it just never sank in? But the whole plot of book 6 was intricate and well done, and very unique compared to the rest of the books.

Another thing I liked about book 6 is that it tied a lot of loose ends - are there really several dimensions of Hell? What if Sebastian was never evil? What about Magnus and his past? What if Clary never told Simon about the Shadow World? So many of these questions were answered and it was done elegantly, cleverly and incredibly well!

And now I'm going into spoilers! Stop here if you haven't read the whole series!

There were so many parts that I loved, while there were others that I didn't like as much.

Simon is one of my favorite characters - he is so nice and honest yet a total nerd. But I can't believe that he was two-timing Maia and Izzy... I felt like that was out of character, but the way he handled it was totally in character, if that makes sense.

BUT when Simon's memories are taken away at the end of book 6, I almost cried. How could he not know anyone, not even Clary?! I was broken! But then he calls his band The Mortal Instruments and I squealed a bit because his memories were coming back! Cassie Clare you are cruel!

Also, you guys by now know my love for Jem, from The Infernal Devices. My favorite character ever, he is back in these books as Brother Zachariah, but there are LOADS of hints as to who he is - his 'need' to protect Jace due to his Herondale bloodline, his past love towards two people, his casual Chinese phrases... MY HEART! So in book 6 he touches Jace with a special rune, and the Heavenly Fire from Jace cleans the demon poison from his blood and he is healed and becomes himself again! Then he shows up with Tessa at Jocelyn and Luke's wedding and my fangirl heart was happy.

These books got increasingly lovey-dovey, though. It some ways it was nice and sweet and other times it just felt in the way, or enforced.

Also can we talk about how Jordan just dies, and then is ignored? By the end of the book I had forgotten that he died until someone mentioned it again. I wish that could have been drawn out a bit more.

When Sebastian was killed by Clary (which was a strange scene but eh you can't have everything, right?) he becomes himself again - the person he would have been without demon blood, and we get a bit of Sebastian redemption. He apologizes for his actions and wishes things could be different. In a way it was nice to know that he wasn't a bad person on his own account.

But he's still a really intense villain!

One of my favorite parts of book 6 is when each of the main characters were in one of the demon realms, and they each started dreaming of their deepest desires. This was done perfectly, and really reflected each of the characters unexpectedly. Honestly was an amazing section, but at the same time it was super dorky and sweet and I loved it!

There is so much more I could talk about when it comes to this series, but don't want this review to become pages and pages long!

I'm giving this entire series a 4/5 feathers!

[Jessica Hult · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the first three last year and lovvvved them!! They are now one of my favorite series. When I just heard that Cassandra Clare came out wiht two more in the series, I was so excited. I am currently reading Clockwork Price and I love that series too. Once I finish that, I will get the last two and add them to the first three that are on my shelf... but not before I read them!!! This is a great book for teens and I love it!!!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is never going to be a better series than The Mortal Instruments. It's better than any other novel I had read in my whole entire life! It really is such a phenomenal series I just couldn't elaborate to you enough. Clary, a stubborn 17 year old yet a very loving and caring person.Jace who sometimes could be very sacarstic but inside he is a softie... and then a warrior in the outside...lets say a Shawdowhunter. Simon, who would love Clary no matter what.

[Bianca Villanueva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Jace. It is a common teen fictional love story but what the heck, I love the series. Some may disagree with me but I like this kind of story. However, the phasing of the book is quite slow. I am a bit irritated on the character of Clary also. But overall, I liked the series and I'm just currently waiting for the last book!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never forget theses books. Loved every word. Every book was great, but I loved the first most of all. Romance, paranormal beings, mystery, heart ache, courage and love. Everything all in one! If you haven't read them.. What are you still doing reading this review?

[Eureca Laurice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall rating of the series 1-5.
3/5 stars

[Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my reviews on the main page of each individual book!

[J.L. Dobias · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mortal Instruments Series (5 books): City of Bones; City of Ashes; City of Glass; City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

I found the Mortal Instruments to be a delightful surprise. I was expecting a sort of mix of Harry Potter with Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I wasn't disappointed in that. What bonus I received, though; this has several elements that remind me of the Nine Princes of Amber by Roger Zelazny and even a bit of Philip Jose Farmer's Tier Series. What I mean by that is that we have a sort of parallel world living right over ours with families that seem to thrive on fealty and conflict; all driving the characters into epic battles.

Cassandra Clare doesn't waffle a bit and begins the high intrigue right at the beginning. Jase has been brought up as a Shadowhunter and Clary has lived as a normal in our normal world. Their father is possibly the most despised among the Shadowhunters and has been long presumed dead, but not everything is as it appears and Clary's mother Joslyne, who may be the only person alive who can sort this out for them, is in a self induced coma.

Clare Fray-Morganstern and her close friend Simon are drawn into a deadly world they didn't know existed. A world that coexist with their world and includes Vampire's; Warlocks; Werewolves and Faeries all who are controlled by the Shadowhunters who are the sons and daughters of Nephilim. Clary has Shadowhunter blood but has never been trained and Simon is a mere mortal. All of that is about to change when both their live are endangered when it's discovered that her presumed dead father has returned to make one more attempt to overthrow the governing body of the Shadowhunters.

I started with the five pack but after reading them all, for those who want to limit their reading I think that the first three books make one well rounded trilogy that ends satisfactorily but leaves a few threads undone. The next three round out the whole series and complete most of the incomplete threads and make for an epic story of love and betrayal and hunger for power. All the characters are well developed; each with their own strengths and weaknesses that they bring to the table. Many are truly their own worst enemies, but there are hardly any moments where the main characters get a chance to take an extra breath. I think I ended up doing a marathon read on the first three and resting before delving into the last two of this and then finally the sixth novel which comes separately.

This is a great series I think even for those in the Science Fiction Fantasy category. It might be a bit light for those who love the Pure Science Fiction but it is great in the Fantasy and it definitely is epic in length and depth. Cassandra Clare brings her own knowledge from living abroad into her work and weaves it nicely into the narrative. She has even managed to peak my interest in the Book of Enoch.

Though a reader might stop after the first three, I think it's difficult to resist the temptation to finish the next three. And for those who can't get enough of Cassandra Clare's world she has plenty of other stories within the world to offer.

One word of advice if you are reading these on your kindle you should buy them separately as it seems that Amazon and possibly the publisher have decided to punish the reader for buying them in a pack of 5 @ 37.99.
City of Bones 2.99
City of Ash 4.99
City of Glass 4.99
City of Fallen Angels 4.99
City of Lost Souls 4.99
total 22.95
add The City of Heavenly Fire @ 10.67 and you still don't reach 37.99. Maybe some day they might fix this.

J.L. Dobias

[Camila Gil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leí esta saga hace 2 años, mucho antes de que pensaran hacer la película siquiera, y la película fue una total decepción, sí que estoy agradecida por haberlo leído cuando era el momento y crearme mi propia idea del mundo y los personajes. Una amiga me había hablado de que había oído hablar de una saga que era buenísima “Cazadores de Sombras”, al oír el titulo yo no me lo tome literalmente como muchos lo hicieron, desde allí yo ya sabía que tendría algo que ver con ángeles... demonios… y un mundo totalmente amplio y fuera de la realidad que conocemos. Con la sinopsis y la profunda portada aún tenía dudas de lo que me podría encontrar al abrirlo… Al abrirlo mi mundo se llenó de luz, como cuando estas en un lugar oscuro y prenden la luz, y en ese instante es que te das cuenta de que habías estado en oscuridad.

Cazadores de Sombras no es más que una metáfora para cazadores de demonios, oscuridad o maldad; y “The Mortal Instrument” porque en el transcurso de la saga sucede tras la búsqueda de los peligrosos instrumentos mortales. Están en el Idris, una ciudad oculta en Nueva York, donde habitan distintos subterráneos, Nefilims, vampiros, hombres lobo y hechiceros.

Con personajes de diferentes y fuertes personalidades, que te mantienen alerta a todo, siempre dan giros inesperados y secretos que no esperas encontrar en ellos. SPOILER: {Vamos a tomar de ejemplo Simón, es una persona fiel e inteligente, que nunca abandono a Clary, y siempre estuvo allí para ella en los primeros libros, pero ¿dónde está su giro? En el cuarto libro, cuando acepta que Clary ya no quiere estar con él y empieza a tener un montón de novias, aunque definitivamente el personaje que da más giros es Jonnathan Morgenstern, y es el personaje que más detesto de todos los personajes literarios, pero… como seria sin sangre de demonio? Eso lo veremos en ciudad de fuego celestial} FIN

El narrador es omnisciente, y en tercera persona, pero a diferencia de otros libros narrados en tercera persona te hace sentir como ellos de una manera mucho mas amplia, que en realidad estas allí, parada en ese lugar viviendo eso. Clary es un personaje con muchas dudas y diría que algo bipolar, y aunque no me había dado cuenta de esto hasta que paso un tiempo de haberlo leído y empecé a ver el personaje desde el punto de vista de afuera del libro, porque una vez que te adentras en el mundo es difícil escapar, una historia que se mantiene dentro de ti para siempre. Logre identificarme mucho con ella, ese deseo oculto de aventura adentro de ella, un sentimiento vivo, que solo deja volar al dibujar, que solo Jace fue capaz de ver en ella, con dudas, pensamientos y comparaciones en su cabeza que te hacen apegarte más al mundo, que te hacen SENTIR, Yo me he sentido como ella, me identifico con ella en muchas cosas de sus adentros, a veces nuestra inseguridad y nuestra manera de pensar y de ocultar lo especial que tenemos y a veces estupidez nos puede llevar a errores, accidentes aunque no siempre malos, si no que marquen nuestra vida. Porque… ¿qué hubiese pasado si Clary no hubiese entrado al pandemónium? Definitivamente lo único que le hacía falta a esta chica para seguir adelante era valor.


Jace es mi personaje favorito, rubio y ojos dorados, cazador de sombras que más demonios ha matado a su edad. Su pasado, lo hace la persona que es ahora, de niño huérfano lo criaron de manera estricta, obsequiándole dolor, sufrimiento, dándole amor y luego arrancárselo, lo que creían que era fortaleza. Lo que lo llevan a quien era ahora, alguien que actúa creído, arrogante; como si solo se necesitara a sí mismo y tuviera toda la fortaleza que necesitara, como un idiota que mata no solo a demonios con cuchillos de serafín si no corazones de personas con sarcasmos…miradas.. Idiotez…, lo que no es más que su escudo para ocultar sus verdaderos sentimientos atrás mutos el es mío. Y esos sentimientos que cree que lo debilita solo lo hacen fuertes y lo descubre al conocer a Clary. Y te das cuenta de eso en aquella noche en “Ciudad de Hueso” cuando Jace en tercera persona le cuenta una historia de cuando era niño, la historia de cómo le regalaron el Halcón que siempre quiso y luego lo mataron frente a sus ojos.

“El niño no volvió a llorar, y no olvido lo que había aprendido, que amar es destruir y ser amado es ser destruido”

Allí Clary se dio cuenta de que Jace era especial, y Jace de que Clary era especial y de que el otro tenía las cosas que más buscaba. Clary necesitaba sentir a Jace, alguien que le trajera fuerza y valor, y Jace necesitaba a Clary, alguien que le trajera vida con una imaginación y un espíritu de amor libre y fiel, era lo que ambos buscaban aunque no estuvieran conscientes de ello.

En cada libro amaba los momentos de acción, la guerra contra los demonios era algo que disfrutaba leer, ¡me resulta de lo más emocionante y único! Esa sensación de estar lleno de valor, que estas allí, y que realmente tu vida corre peligro, En otros libros narran escenas así o con demasiada aceleración, o con demasiada descripción. Cassandra logra hallar el punto exacto de la narrativa en la que te introduce y se te olvida por completo que estás leyendo, ese punto en el que, en una guerra, puedes sentir cada musculo batallando, el cansancio, sorpresas al aparecerte demonios inesperados y la total adrenalina.

Cassandra, esa niña que creció leyendo Narnia y consiente de su verdadera profundidad junto con otros libros de calidad y magia infantil, llego a crecer con la suficiente imaginación y originalidad para crear este tan amplio y profundo mundo al que se ha dedicado a escribir toda su vida, creándole el pasado, el presente y el futuro desde un miles de perspectivas posibles.


Las portadas... para muchos artificiales e irreales, para mi inspiradoras y originales...

Las portadas y los títulos captan perfectamente la esencia de cada libro, por ejemplo en ciudad de las almas perdidas, la neblina profunda, la calle en el fondo, Jace y Clary unidos, tarde o temprano nos imaginamos ese escenario y el mundo y los lugares tan amplios como la portada. Como si fuera poco con el texto.
Cada título era el indicado. Por ejemplo “Ciudad de Ángeles Caídos”, en el libro no hay ningún ángel caído, lo que te hace dejar de verlo desde el punto de vista literal, sino algo más metafórico, ángeles caídos, porque Clary, Jace, Simon... Todos han cometido errores, y han caído por no seguir el instinto de su corazón.

Muchos dicen no estar de acuerdo con que la saga se alargue tanto, que preferían como una trilogía, pero yo no sé qué hubiese sido de mi vida si se hubiese quedado así, yo ni estoy de acuerdo con que se termine, siento que siempre habrán más cosas por descubrir, mas secretos, mas batallas, mas aventuras, y los personajes se han convertido en mi familia, ¡Me enamore peligrosamente de este mundo! Una historia que se mantuvo fresca y clara en mi corazón durante dos años y seguirá así. Porque es infinita, las cosas que amo se sienten eternas, porque son eternas, el amor es eterno, por eso se quedara en mí para siempre, aunque se acabe, para mi aun la vivo y aun continua.

¿Y saben que es lo mejor? Que por más que releas esta saga te seguirá produciendo el mismo sentimiento que la primera vez.

De verdad no se pueden perder esta increíble saga de fantasía, terror inteligente, romance paranormal y acción explosiva, ¡Totalmente única!

Este libro dejo mi mente volar!! creando un mundo en el que me encantaria vivir.