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The Mortal Instruments #1-3
The Mortal Instruments. Shadowhunters. Prima trilogia: Città di ossa-Città di cenere-Città di vetro
Quando Clary entra per la prima volta al Pandemonium Club di New York è convinta di essere una ragazza come tante che va a ballare in un locale alla moda. Ma seguendo un affascinante ragazzo dai capelli blu nel magazzino del locale, vede tre guerrieri coperti di rune tatuate circondarlo e trafiggerlo con una spada di cristallo. Vorrebbe chiamare aiuto, ma non rimane nessun cadavere, nessuna goccia del sangue nero esploso sull'elsa e soprattutto nessuno da accusare, perché quei guerrieri sono creature di un'altra dimensione e solo lei può vederli. Clary non sa ancora che il mondo è popolato da Nascosti, Figli della Notte, Fate e dai Nephilim, implacabili cacciatori di demoni. Gli Shadowhunters. Soprattutto Clary non sa di essere una di loro. Ma lo scoprirà presto. Prima di quanto pensi. E la sua vita ne sarà sconvolta per sempre.
940 pages, Hardcover
First published October 27, 2009
761 people are currently reading
24602 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Clare
197 books277k followersCassandra 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,146 reviews
August 21, 2016
I have to say I've heard mixed reviews about this book series, many saying the writing and characters are feeble attempts at creating a good story and whatnot. All I can say is screw those people because I enjoyed this series more than I could ever describe in words. I'd gotten all three books in one swing to the bookstore - which I admit could've been stupid of me if I hadn't liked it, but of course it didn't turn out that way - and even with the second book's summary spoiler I was gaping all during the City of Bones. It's seriously written in such a way that even if you're told about every event and spoiler throughout any of the books, you will still be amazed at how those happenings come about. Cassandra Clare places twists into the story that you wouldn't have ever thought of no matter how much you ponder, and I very much enjoyed the sarcasm and humour throughout all the books. All the major events are well woven together in a way where you really don't know what will happen and Cassandra Clare is very creative with her ideas of the several different supernatural races in the story as well as her own principles of Shadowhunters and their world. The characters are interesting and definitely not boring, they're thoughts and actions frustrated me sometimes, but it makes it all the better and more suspenseful to read. The descriptions gave me a clear image in my mind of what was happening, and I often found myself pulled into the world and politics of the Shadowhunters. Quite plainly? I love it. The building feelings and love between the main characters, Clary and Jace, along with the action and adventure are thrilling and enticing. I personally can't get enough of this series!
December 2, 2012
where to begin with this book?
Jace Wayland is supposed to be a hot, snarky bad boy with a heart of gold, and hair of gold. he snarks the shit out of everything as soon as the opportunity arises, and even when the opportunity doesn't arise.
but Jace does not have a heart of gold, no matter how much Clary and Clare try to convince you. at the end of the book, Isabelle tells Clary that she brings out the kindness that's inside of Jace. we're supposed to believe that Clary changed Jace and made him a good person. this idea is shoved down your throat and paraded through the whole series.
but there is never an instance when Jace is more than just a whiny little bitch.
he has the air of someone who wears Ed Hardy tee-shirts and purposely messes up their hair and has strategically untied shoelaces, and talks about how hard it is living on the streets when they live in their parents Beverly Hills mansion. you know the type. they talk about how much they hate mainstream music and sellouts and say they shop at thrift stores. they make jokes about women getting in the kitchen and making them sandwiches and say "cool story bro."
Jace does none of these things, except the last one - there's an actual joke about that in City of Ashes - but he has the air of someone who does. he's that guy. he's that douchebag playing music loudly on his cell phone even though he has headphones in his bag.
November 13, 2018
This has got to be one of the most overrated series of all time.
I have individual reviews somewhere but safe to say that overall I was pretty underwhelmed.
It was all a bit ridiculous and angsty and I just am not a huge fan of supernatural monsters being turned into heart throbs.
I have individual reviews somewhere but safe to say that overall I was pretty underwhelmed.
It was all a bit ridiculous and angsty and I just am not a huge fan of supernatural monsters being turned into heart throbs.
June 6, 2017
And now? What am I supposed to do with my life?
September 20, 2011
This is a book series I would love to live in! If you are looking to take a vacation and get away from your life for a while, I would most definitely recommend you take a trip through The Mortal Instruments. The world that Cassandra Clare has created is one where the reader will find themselves immersed in fantasy and adventure. Just when you think you've found that perfect spot to stop and come back to reality from, you will get swept up back into the Shadowhunter's world of triumph and chaos. Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Alec, Simon, and all the other characters within the series will keep you mesmerized and intrigued. When you finish, they feel as though they are a part of you. You will laugh, cry, cheer, struggle and ache for them page after page. Each book builds upon the prior one, and leaves you wanting for more. I know that all series must come to an end eventually, but until then I am anxiously awaiting each page of the books to come. Cassandra Clare is an amazingly talented author, and I know when I see her name on a book that I am going to fall in love with it.
January 26, 2013
Well, where to begin? These books are absolutley amazing! I love the way Cassandra Clare writes about her charecters. She gives them a soul. I feel like i've known them forever. I was captivated and addicted by the time i read the first chapter. I love the passion and fire clare writes with. She Is an intelligent woman and writer. I just can't get enough. I've never been so impressed with a series in my life and believe me i have read MANY. I love how she brings the Fey, the vamps, the weres, the demons, the wizards, and the mundanes all togetherin a series that has blown my mind. I am so dissapointed about the casting of this movie"The City Of Bones", Lily Collins for Clary I can get that. Jonathan Rhys-Myers for Valentine was an awesome choice. The charecter that plays Magnus Bane fits really wellas does Luke and Jocelynbut OMG WTF was the casting people thinkingwhen they casted Jace Herondale????
Jamie Campbel-Bower for jace, it brings the Jace Herondale of The Mortal Instraments to shame!!! Jace is suppost to be the most beautiful Nephilim ever created. Anyways I could go on and on about how wonderful this series is. I have read a lot of other series since and nonecompare, not even a little. If you have never read this series you are truly missing out.
Jamie Campbel-Bower for jace, it brings the Jace Herondale of The Mortal Instraments to shame!!! Jace is suppost to be the most beautiful Nephilim ever created. Anyways I could go on and on about how wonderful this series is. I have read a lot of other series since and nonecompare, not even a little. If you have never read this series you are truly missing out.
April 30, 2013
Oh, how I love love love this trilogy, let me count the ways! (I enjoy books 4-5 in the series as well, but not as much as I do these ones). I'd say it was my ultimate guilty pleasure except I refuse to feel guilty.
Yummily dramatic? Yes. Delightfully angsty? Yes. With an entertaining worldbuilding, great secondary characters, and delightful quips? Yes.
But I am in it for Jace and Clary, arguably the most deliciously tortured and passionate and dysfunctional soulmatey-soulmate OTP that I have come across in the entirety of YA. Clary is a fun heroine - tough and resilient, and Jace is the combo of snarky gorgeousness, edgy vulnerability, and more bad luck than a houseful of black cats, but it's together that they get to me. They turn me from a reasonable adult to a squealing 15 year old (if I were 15 this would be my favorite set of books and I'd want to be Clary so badly. As it is, I couldn't resist them anyway).
These books gave me that delightful feeling that I haven't felt in a really long time - that impatience to turn the next page, the need to know what next, and above all that delicious fact in the back of your mind at all time - the knowledge the book is in your bag and you will soon get to read more - that anticipation is almost sweeter than the act of reading itself.
Too many favorite things...
Yummily dramatic? Yes. Delightfully angsty? Yes. With an entertaining worldbuilding, great secondary characters, and delightful quips? Yes.
But I am in it for Jace and Clary, arguably the most deliciously tortured and passionate and dysfunctional soulmatey-soulmate OTP that I have come across in the entirety of YA. Clary is a fun heroine - tough and resilient, and Jace is the combo of snarky gorgeousness, edgy vulnerability, and more bad luck than a houseful of black cats, but it's together that they get to me. They turn me from a reasonable adult to a squealing 15 year old (if I were 15 this would be my favorite set of books and I'd want to be Clary so badly. As it is, I couldn't resist them anyway).
These books gave me that delightful feeling that I haven't felt in a really long time - that impatience to turn the next page, the need to know what next, and above all that delicious fact in the back of your mind at all time - the knowledge the book is in your bag and you will soon get to read more - that anticipation is almost sweeter than the act of reading itself.
Too many favorite things...
November 28, 2009
Hmmm. Where to start with these books. These are kind of a mix between Twilight and Harry Potter, though I didn't think they were as good as either. Now that I've finished all of them, I like them a lot more in retrospect than I did while reading them. The plot is compelling and interesting, but I really hated most of the characters for the first part of the trilogy. I also don't think these are appropriate for young teens since there are some references to sex, pornography, homosexuality, and some very graphic violence. It's surprising to me how prevalent this stuff is in YA literature.
I think what really kept me from truly enjoying these books was the writing style. The author had some great ideas, if not completely original, but the first half of all three books dragged. The author is too descriptive in areas that do not warrant it, and the prose is very "purple". I found myself just skimming a lot of the descriptive stuff. Also, some things are just completely overdone. I got tired of reading descriptions of Jace's golden eyes and angel face. Also, how many times do we have to read about people tasting blood for various reasons??
*SPOILER*
I also had a hard time with the romance. There was decent tension between Clary and Jace, but after the first book, you feel torn between wanting them together and being completely disgusted by the whole incest angle. Even though I knew they would somehow work it out for them to not be siblings, it was disturbing to watch them want each other when THEY didn't know they were going to end up not being siblings. It made me think about what it would be like to have feelings like that for my brother, and, well, UUGGHH!
I think what really kept me from truly enjoying these books was the writing style. The author had some great ideas, if not completely original, but the first half of all three books dragged. The author is too descriptive in areas that do not warrant it, and the prose is very "purple". I found myself just skimming a lot of the descriptive stuff. Also, some things are just completely overdone. I got tired of reading descriptions of Jace's golden eyes and angel face. Also, how many times do we have to read about people tasting blood for various reasons??
*SPOILER*
I also had a hard time with the romance. There was decent tension between Clary and Jace, but after the first book, you feel torn between wanting them together and being completely disgusted by the whole incest angle. Even though I knew they would somehow work it out for them to not be siblings, it was disturbing to watch them want each other when THEY didn't know they were going to end up not being siblings. It made me think about what it would be like to have feelings like that for my brother, and, well, UUGGHH!
July 6, 2009
Just to be clear I had fun reading these books. To me these books are the literary equivalent to pop music or the mindless summer romantic comedy. It is easy to turn your brain off and just enjoy them for what they are. Much like the aforementioned forms of media the Mortal Instruments trilogy is highly predictable, there are no twists that you won't see coming chapters even books in advance. At its core the Mortal Instruments trilogy is a love story. Forbidden love created by the questionable literary device of incest is at the forefront of the love story. That is not say that the books don't make an attempt at more heady topics i.e., racism, imperialism, to name just a couple. The weight given to these topics is barely felt which in turn makes the reader feeling somewhat empty at the end when all conflicts are wrapped up neatly. There are many other complaints I had with this series, but in the end I enjoyed the opportunity to turn off my brain and just read the books and enjoy them for what they were.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2017
Una rilettura non può mai fare male, mi dico. Specialmente quando si tratta del mondo creato dalla Clare e dei suoi favolosi Shadowhunters.
Ormai dovrei conoscere tutta la saga a memoria per quante volte l'abbia letta e riletta, ma ogni volta che mi ritrovo a leggere il primo capitolo di "Città di Ossa"... è come se tutto quello che già sappia sulla saga, mi venisse cancellato istantaneamente, come se il libro in se, contenesse una sorta di Runa.
Non c'è niente, e dico niente, che io non ami di questa Saga, di questa Storia.
Non esiste niente di più bello che vedere come i personaggi crescano, maturino, durante i soli primi 3 libri. Jace sopratutto.
Jace è il cuore di questa saga. È il mio cuore.
Ho bisogno di un Jace tutto mio!
Per coloro che ancora non avessero letto questa saga, consiglio di rimediare al più presto e catapultarsi nel mondo degli Shadowhunters. Un mondo meraviglioso, bellissimo ma al contempo pieno di pericoli... Ma ehi, non sarebbe così meraviglioso se non ci fossero pericoli, no?
Ah, e ricordate sempre, che TUTTE LE STORIE SONO VERE.
Ormai dovrei conoscere tutta la saga a memoria per quante volte l'abbia letta e riletta, ma ogni volta che mi ritrovo a leggere il primo capitolo di "Città di Ossa"... è come se tutto quello che già sappia sulla saga, mi venisse cancellato istantaneamente, come se il libro in se, contenesse una sorta di Runa.
Non c'è niente, e dico niente, che io non ami di questa Saga, di questa Storia.
Non esiste niente di più bello che vedere come i personaggi crescano, maturino, durante i soli primi 3 libri. Jace sopratutto.
Jace è il cuore di questa saga. È il mio cuore.
Ho bisogno di un Jace tutto mio!
Per coloro che ancora non avessero letto questa saga, consiglio di rimediare al più presto e catapultarsi nel mondo degli Shadowhunters. Un mondo meraviglioso, bellissimo ma al contempo pieno di pericoli... Ma ehi, non sarebbe così meraviglioso se non ci fossero pericoli, no?
Ah, e ricordate sempre, che TUTTE LE STORIE SONO VERE.
Read
February 26, 2011Are you looking for adventure, romance, fantasy, and some kick butt action scenes? Well, The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare has it all. The plot will keep you on your toes, and unable to put the book down. It personally took me a little under three days to finish all currently published books. They aren’t that quick a read, having a few hundred pages each, which most leisurely readers find pleasant.
The Mortal Instruments currently has three books in circulation, the fourth of which is coming out April 5th of this year. Clare’s books have made their way into many a best seller list, as well as home. Published in at least six languages and twenty-six countries this series is widely popular and mainstream. As a personal rule I do not read mainstream books because the hype about them is ridiculous, I didn’t read Meyer’s Twilight until about three years after publication nor did I finish the last book due to the mainstream effect. Cassandra is one of the few authors I have cast my rule away for, having started to read her work a short while after City of Ashes, the second of her series was published.
This isn’t your mom’s fantasy, though you should have her read it, she might like it too. Set in the heart of New York we see the urban fantasy that has taken a big step onto shelves everywhere. Clary is our heroine, and with best friend Simon in tow; she sees the world for what it really is. Clary’s life takes turn after turn after that fateful she encounters Jace and the other Shadowhunters. With adventure full of vampires, demons, magic, and other various “Downworlders” Clary’s life is turned upside down, flipped on it’s side, then turned again.
Clary is fifteen and living in Brooklyn with her mother Jocelyn. She’s grown up without a father, but has family friend Luke to fall back on when the father shoes must be filled. One night Clary and Simon check out Pandemonium, a popular club where their lives change forever. Clary sees something she shouldn’t have, or should I say people? Standing in an off limits zone Clary stares at Jace Wayland, along with his fellow Shadowhunters Alec and Isabella Lightwood. The weird thing; Simon couldn’t see them. Thanks to this one in a million chance Clary’s world unravels, her mom is missing, and Clary is given a crash course about the world she lives in; which leads her to question her very identity along with a relationship with the snaky blonde heartthrob Jace. That’s just the first book, looks like you’ve got an adventure on your hands!
What’s this? There’s a baddy? That’s right ladies and gentlemen, there’s a bad guy in the form Valentine, resident nut job. A very Hitler Esq. nut job in my personal opinion, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles for this obscenely smart, insane character. Valentine ran a secret group of Shadowhunters who lived to rid the world of Downworlders, talk about teenage rebellion, but that’s in the past… right?
The third book, City of Glass is seriously action packed, with a big battle, character development, some rather large twists that’ll make you say “ wait… what?” and some witty sarcasm that’ll make you giggle. Jaces’ particular brand of humor will make readers giggle through out the whole series, but anyone who’s really read and analyzed The Mortal Instruments will say it’s a defense mechanism.
The Mortal Instruments really has a lot of the characteristics I look for in the YA (Young Adult) books I read. Romance, action, length, some fun humor, and makes you think. Cassandra also put a lot of effort into linking the legends in her books to actual world legends and myth, talk about dedication. That’s something I really like in an author, when you find something interesting; they make it possible to find out more. Give Clare’s work a shot, you might like it; I know I did!
I don’t know about you, but I always like to read the book before the movie, and while doing a little bit of refresher stuff on the official website I found that a movie is in the works. The film rights to Cassie Clare’s best selling series were optioned by Unique Features. The director will be Scott Charles Stewart, and the ever talented Jessica Postigo as screenwriter. Fans of The Blind Side (11/20/09) will be happy to know that the lovely Lily Collins has already been cast as our heroine. According to Collin’s IMDb the movie, which is currently in pre-production should be coming out in 2012. Cassie Clare’s official fan site, Mundie Source shed a bit more light on the subject. Filming, says Collins, is to begin in April. This piece of information can be found next to Alex Pettyfers’ face in the January 2011 archive.
To find out more about Mundie Source check out - http://mundiesource.net/wpd/
For The Mortal Instruments website for facts, Cassie’s blog and more - http://www.mortalinstruments.com/inde...
HAPPY READING
The Mortal Instruments currently has three books in circulation, the fourth of which is coming out April 5th of this year. Clare’s books have made their way into many a best seller list, as well as home. Published in at least six languages and twenty-six countries this series is widely popular and mainstream. As a personal rule I do not read mainstream books because the hype about them is ridiculous, I didn’t read Meyer’s Twilight until about three years after publication nor did I finish the last book due to the mainstream effect. Cassandra is one of the few authors I have cast my rule away for, having started to read her work a short while after City of Ashes, the second of her series was published.
This isn’t your mom’s fantasy, though you should have her read it, she might like it too. Set in the heart of New York we see the urban fantasy that has taken a big step onto shelves everywhere. Clary is our heroine, and with best friend Simon in tow; she sees the world for what it really is. Clary’s life takes turn after turn after that fateful she encounters Jace and the other Shadowhunters. With adventure full of vampires, demons, magic, and other various “Downworlders” Clary’s life is turned upside down, flipped on it’s side, then turned again.
Clary is fifteen and living in Brooklyn with her mother Jocelyn. She’s grown up without a father, but has family friend Luke to fall back on when the father shoes must be filled. One night Clary and Simon check out Pandemonium, a popular club where their lives change forever. Clary sees something she shouldn’t have, or should I say people? Standing in an off limits zone Clary stares at Jace Wayland, along with his fellow Shadowhunters Alec and Isabella Lightwood. The weird thing; Simon couldn’t see them. Thanks to this one in a million chance Clary’s world unravels, her mom is missing, and Clary is given a crash course about the world she lives in; which leads her to question her very identity along with a relationship with the snaky blonde heartthrob Jace. That’s just the first book, looks like you’ve got an adventure on your hands!
What’s this? There’s a baddy? That’s right ladies and gentlemen, there’s a bad guy in the form Valentine, resident nut job. A very Hitler Esq. nut job in my personal opinion, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles for this obscenely smart, insane character. Valentine ran a secret group of Shadowhunters who lived to rid the world of Downworlders, talk about teenage rebellion, but that’s in the past… right?
The third book, City of Glass is seriously action packed, with a big battle, character development, some rather large twists that’ll make you say “ wait… what?” and some witty sarcasm that’ll make you giggle. Jaces’ particular brand of humor will make readers giggle through out the whole series, but anyone who’s really read and analyzed The Mortal Instruments will say it’s a defense mechanism.
The Mortal Instruments really has a lot of the characteristics I look for in the YA (Young Adult) books I read. Romance, action, length, some fun humor, and makes you think. Cassandra also put a lot of effort into linking the legends in her books to actual world legends and myth, talk about dedication. That’s something I really like in an author, when you find something interesting; they make it possible to find out more. Give Clare’s work a shot, you might like it; I know I did!
I don’t know about you, but I always like to read the book before the movie, and while doing a little bit of refresher stuff on the official website I found that a movie is in the works. The film rights to Cassie Clare’s best selling series were optioned by Unique Features. The director will be Scott Charles Stewart, and the ever talented Jessica Postigo as screenwriter. Fans of The Blind Side (11/20/09) will be happy to know that the lovely Lily Collins has already been cast as our heroine. According to Collin’s IMDb the movie, which is currently in pre-production should be coming out in 2012. Cassie Clare’s official fan site, Mundie Source shed a bit more light on the subject. Filming, says Collins, is to begin in April. This piece of information can be found next to Alex Pettyfers’ face in the January 2011 archive.
To find out more about Mundie Source check out - http://mundiesource.net/wpd/
For The Mortal Instruments website for facts, Cassie’s blog and more - http://www.mortalinstruments.com/inde...
HAPPY READING
September 29, 2013
Unlike most readers of Cassandra Clare's THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS series, I came to the books after reading the prequel INFERNAL DEVICES trilogy. The complex plotting and fabulous historical detail demonstrated in CLOCKWORK ANGEL, CLOCKWORK PRINCE, and CLOCKWORK PRINCESS blew me away, and I reviewed all three books individually here on Amazon and Goodreads. So, I was eager to move on to THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS.
The universe the author creates is unique and believable. New York City is so well-wrought that it becomes a character in its own right. This is especially noticeable in CITY OF BONES and CITY OF ASHES. But setting (old and new) also haunts us when we leave for the Shadowhunters homeland of Idris in CITY OF GLASS. I shared Clary's dislocation and her struggle to orient herself in an unfamiliar land.
The author gives the same careful attention to building her characters. Down to the least important minion, they are layered and convincing. Also, the twists taken with the Jace-Clary relationship are risky and filled with suspense. Despite what we think we know about the two, we still root for them to be together, which is pretty shocking considering the circumstances.
Sure there are plenty of Sci-Fi/Fantasy tropes here that we've seen before in everything from STAR WARS to HARRY POTTER to TWILIGHT. So what? This is the second decade of the 21st century--EVERYTHING has been done before. The point is that Clare tells a good story. She gives us engaging characters and puts them through hell. What more can a reader ask? The only reason I took away a star is because as good as this series is, INFERNAL DEVICES is better. It approaches literary fiction in its use of language and exploration of character. The downside, and it is a relatively small one, is that it highlights YA aspects of THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS. All the teen angst and "how do I hide this from mom" moments seem a little airy after the dark lyricism of a book like CLOCKWORK ANGEL. Still, I enjoyed the books and am glad to hear that there are three more to come.
The universe the author creates is unique and believable. New York City is so well-wrought that it becomes a character in its own right. This is especially noticeable in CITY OF BONES and CITY OF ASHES. But setting (old and new) also haunts us when we leave for the Shadowhunters homeland of Idris in CITY OF GLASS. I shared Clary's dislocation and her struggle to orient herself in an unfamiliar land.
The author gives the same careful attention to building her characters. Down to the least important minion, they are layered and convincing. Also, the twists taken with the Jace-Clary relationship are risky and filled with suspense. Despite what we think we know about the two, we still root for them to be together, which is pretty shocking considering the circumstances.
Sure there are plenty of Sci-Fi/Fantasy tropes here that we've seen before in everything from STAR WARS to HARRY POTTER to TWILIGHT. So what? This is the second decade of the 21st century--EVERYTHING has been done before. The point is that Clare tells a good story. She gives us engaging characters and puts them through hell. What more can a reader ask? The only reason I took away a star is because as good as this series is, INFERNAL DEVICES is better. It approaches literary fiction in its use of language and exploration of character. The downside, and it is a relatively small one, is that it highlights YA aspects of THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS. All the teen angst and "how do I hide this from mom" moments seem a little airy after the dark lyricism of a book like CLOCKWORK ANGEL. Still, I enjoyed the books and am glad to hear that there are three more to come.
July 24, 2012
***SPOILERS***
This was a fun series to read in many ways. There are still 2 books left to read but I felt like all the major issues were solved with the 3rd book. I love the fantasy world Clare created. It was interesting and exciting. However, and here's where the spoilers come in, I was so uncomfortable with the whole Jace and Clary as brother and sister thing. Everyone reading the books figures out that they aren't brother and sister pretty early on, but THEY don't know that!! They are still in love with each other and share a few passionate kisses, while struggling with their feelings about their supposed SIBLING!!! I felt like this was dragged out for WAY too long. If it would've been resolved in the second book I probably could've handled it. I honestly kept reading the book so I could get some resolution with this. And it didn't come until the very end of the third book! I felt like I couldn't really enjoy the great story because I was so preoccupied with this. Because of that these books were just okay for me. I will read the next 2 books because now that this particular issue has been resolved I might enjoy them more.
This was a fun series to read in many ways. There are still 2 books left to read but I felt like all the major issues were solved with the 3rd book. I love the fantasy world Clare created. It was interesting and exciting. However, and here's where the spoilers come in, I was so uncomfortable with the whole Jace and Clary as brother and sister thing. Everyone reading the books figures out that they aren't brother and sister pretty early on, but THEY don't know that!! They are still in love with each other and share a few passionate kisses, while struggling with their feelings about their supposed SIBLING!!! I felt like this was dragged out for WAY too long. If it would've been resolved in the second book I probably could've handled it. I honestly kept reading the book so I could get some resolution with this. And it didn't come until the very end of the third book! I felt like I couldn't really enjoy the great story because I was so preoccupied with this. Because of that these books were just okay for me. I will read the next 2 books because now that this particular issue has been resolved I might enjoy them more.
September 22, 2015
I enjoyed the heck out of this series. Twice. And I have no doubt that at some point I'll read it again. I adore these characters, and am not ashamed to admit that certain parts made me cry all over again. Also, I am a sucker for good vs. evil stories. Plus, the dark humor. It's just a good time.
January 7, 2011
I'm just going to cheat and just not do a review on this fabulous series. If you are a YA fan down to the deepest depth of your core, this series is a must-read and therefore there is no reason why I should spend my time writing reviews on these books after a month reading them when you should just go grab them RIGHT NOW! GOGOGOGOGO!
Anyway I'll just review in great depth City of Fallen Angels and then next two after that to make myself happy and you too =)
But here is the synopsis for City of Bones, the first in The Mortal Instruments:
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....
Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.
City of Bones receives ★★★★.
City of Ashes receives ★★★★★.
City of Glass receives ★★★★★.
Anyway I'll just review in great depth City of Fallen Angels and then next two after that to make myself happy and you too =)
But here is the synopsis for City of Bones, the first in The Mortal Instruments:
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....
Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.
City of Bones receives ★★★★.
City of Ashes receives ★★★★★.
City of Glass receives ★★★★★.
January 2, 2010
I took interest in this series because a lot of the other members I belonged to in a forum (for a certain book) have were currently reading the last in the series, which is City of Glass. So I thought might as well read the books since I was in the mood.
I never thought I could feel again the feeling I had when I read the Harry Potter series and even when I first watched the Lord of the Rings (FOTR). I knew by the time I was in the middle chapter that I was in love with the story. I think if not for the need to feed and sleep, I could have been finished with the three books in less than three days. So I think it took me roughly four days instead. My sisters were blaming the books for making me unusually mental.
I can’t give you the reasons why I love the books. Nor I am still speechless on how to describe the books to you. All I can say is that there are three book series that I love (that if God will allow me to live in either one of the stories these are my choices): Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter series, and the Mortal Instruments.
If they will make a movie out of this story (which I pray that they won’t) the studio better make it as GOOD as HP and LOTR, because the book doesn’t deserve any less. And lastly. It’s Alex Pettyfer as Jace Wayland or to hell with the movie.
I never thought I could feel again the feeling I had when I read the Harry Potter series and even when I first watched the Lord of the Rings (FOTR). I knew by the time I was in the middle chapter that I was in love with the story. I think if not for the need to feed and sleep, I could have been finished with the three books in less than three days. So I think it took me roughly four days instead. My sisters were blaming the books for making me unusually mental.
I can’t give you the reasons why I love the books. Nor I am still speechless on how to describe the books to you. All I can say is that there are three book series that I love (that if God will allow me to live in either one of the stories these are my choices): Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter series, and the Mortal Instruments.
If they will make a movie out of this story (which I pray that they won’t) the studio better make it as GOOD as HP and LOTR, because the book doesn’t deserve any less. And lastly. It’s Alex Pettyfer as Jace Wayland or to hell with the movie.
September 3, 2020
City of Bones - 3 stars
City of Ashes - 3.5 stars
City of Glass - 4 stars
This series starts out a bit slow but picks up it's pace. The MCs aren't that great but the supporting/secondary characters are really amazing. The first book in the series introduces us to this world and it does have a lot of plot holes but as the series progresses, a lot of questions are answered. Third book in the series is my favorite.
City of Ashes - 3.5 stars
City of Glass - 4 stars
This series starts out a bit slow but picks up it's pace. The MCs aren't that great but the supporting/secondary characters are really amazing. The first book in the series introduces us to this world and it does have a lot of plot holes but as the series progresses, a lot of questions are answered. Third book in the series is my favorite.
December 19, 2021
i love cassandra clare books so much
April 7, 2011
Too many similes, too much teenage angst (but that's probably why so many teens read it, right?) too many witty repartees in life-threatening situations that don't even begin to help me suspend my disbelief. Oh, and EVERYBODY'S MONOLOGUING! When someone has a sword pointed at their heart they get all morose and suddenly divulge their deepest secrets, but just enough that when they don't die, the reader has all but one piece of the puzzle. So we're basically left almost knowing how things are going to end (and let's be honest, we really are smart enough readers to put it all together), but things aren't going to end for another 150+ pages.
And yet I keep reading the series because I'm a glutton for punishment and there's a glimmer of romance. A very small glimmer. The second and third books continue to flog the dead horse of Jace + Clary drama and I got bored but I HAD TO KEEP READING in spite of all of that. It's not my proudest moment. I just wanted to find out if I was right (AND I TOTALLY WAS) and I called it halfway into the first book.
Sorry about all the yelling.
I think the world Clare creates is great. The premise of a whole other world coexisting with ours is clever and she pulls it off well. All of the beings live by their rules (some conventional, some a little more creative)and she keeps it together pretty well. I just got bored with waiting for her to finally come around and tell me what I already knew. I think it also didn't help that I listened to the whole 3 books and listening takes a lot longer than reading. I did get a quilt done in the interim though.
Maybe in the 4th book it gets better?
And yet I keep reading the series because I'm a glutton for punishment and there's a glimmer of romance. A very small glimmer. The second and third books continue to flog the dead horse of Jace + Clary drama and I got bored but I HAD TO KEEP READING in spite of all of that. It's not my proudest moment. I just wanted to find out if I was right (AND I TOTALLY WAS) and I called it halfway into the first book.
Sorry about all the yelling.
I think the world Clare creates is great. The premise of a whole other world coexisting with ours is clever and she pulls it off well. All of the beings live by their rules (some conventional, some a little more creative)and she keeps it together pretty well. I just got bored with waiting for her to finally come around and tell me what I already knew. I think it also didn't help that I listened to the whole 3 books and listening takes a lot longer than reading. I did get a quilt done in the interim though.
Maybe in the 4th book it gets better?
July 7, 2013
City of Bones: Read 3 times
Good beginning to the seiries if not a little boring. If it wasnt for Jace's character this series would fail and not be on the New York best selling list.
City of Ashes:
Was a good enough book but it you can tell it was leading up to the next book, I like Cassandra Claire because she makes every character she has like they are real. I cant wait to see this movie I think because it has more of an edge to it, it will be more entertaining! Also she couldn't have done too much with City of Bones because it was only the first book, this book has more layers. My favorite part is the forbidden love, and how they cant be together but they really want to, it was compelling the first time I read it. Everyone really wants to know what happens with Jace and Clary
City of Glass:
Oh my gosh she soo could have finished the series with this book, but it is one of those decisions that I am not completely against because I do love the series. I wish she could continue on with Clockwork Princess she could write about Will and Tessa's marriage. Any way back to this book. My favorite part is hard to pick, I like when Clary and Jace are at the manor house, Cassandra defiantly knows how to write steamy scenes. This whole book is just really exciting and when Sebastian and Jace fight your on the edge of your seat the whole time! Oh its just a great ending. It was shock and excitement that came over me when I heard there was going to be a few more books! :) I love this series.
Good beginning to the seiries if not a little boring. If it wasnt for Jace's character this series would fail and not be on the New York best selling list.
City of Ashes:
Was a good enough book but it you can tell it was leading up to the next book, I like Cassandra Claire because she makes every character she has like they are real. I cant wait to see this movie I think because it has more of an edge to it, it will be more entertaining! Also she couldn't have done too much with City of Bones because it was only the first book, this book has more layers. My favorite part is the forbidden love, and how they cant be together but they really want to, it was compelling the first time I read it. Everyone really wants to know what happens with Jace and Clary
City of Glass:
Oh my gosh she soo could have finished the series with this book, but it is one of those decisions that I am not completely against because I do love the series. I wish she could continue on with Clockwork Princess she could write about Will and Tessa's marriage. Any way back to this book. My favorite part is hard to pick, I like when Clary and Jace are at the manor house, Cassandra defiantly knows how to write steamy scenes. This whole book is just really exciting and when Sebastian and Jace fight your on the edge of your seat the whole time! Oh its just a great ending. It was shock and excitement that came over me when I heard there was going to be a few more books! :) I love this series.
January 3, 2015
The writing of the trilogy vastly improves as you go along, but if you can ignore the flat writing then you can easily get swept up in the almost soap opera-like affect of the interwoven stories of the Shadowhunters and Downworlders.
Fun, romantic, with evil at every turn you can easily understand why Clare's world has gained a promo ate space in many a fangirl's fantasy. Personally, I preferred the prequel trilogy (The Infernal Devices), but it was entertaining to see how the two periods connected. My main problem is the Clary is often oblivious to what is happening around her, though I feel this is because she is supposed to act as if she were the reader who is new to the world of Shadowhunters, but strangely she sometimes forgets her role. This makes Clary come off as a naive and ignorant protagonist. The other characters, however, and almost always true to the character they were originally set out as....which makes Clary all the more frustrating at times. That said, Clare seems to mostly fix that problem by the end of the second book, when her writing really started to take its own form. And despite all these problems I enjoyed them far more than I should.
Fun, romantic, with evil at every turn you can easily understand why Clare's world has gained a promo ate space in many a fangirl's fantasy. Personally, I preferred the prequel trilogy (The Infernal Devices), but it was entertaining to see how the two periods connected. My main problem is the Clary is often oblivious to what is happening around her, though I feel this is because she is supposed to act as if she were the reader who is new to the world of Shadowhunters, but strangely she sometimes forgets her role. This makes Clary come off as a naive and ignorant protagonist. The other characters, however, and almost always true to the character they were originally set out as....which makes Clary all the more frustrating at times. That said, Clare seems to mostly fix that problem by the end of the second book, when her writing really started to take its own form. And despite all these problems I enjoyed them far more than I should.
October 25, 2009
Fun, fun, fun- that is what these books are! Although this series is very apparently written for a teen audience (it even has the token homosexual couple), it was well written and so entertaining. Great for a fun, easy read. I love fantasy world the author has created of shadowhunters, demons, werewolves and vampires. I loved the plot twists and bit of romance. The last book (City of glass), was so exciting and was like a constant stream of climaxes for different aspects of the story- - it was truly hard to put down. It's one of those "guilty" pleasure kind of books (Twilight is like that for me). Read this for a great escape from reality!
January 8, 2014
Lets keep this short and sweet.
Book one:
City of Shock!
Book two:
City of What the Fuck
Book three:
City of Shit
simple and to the point.
Book one:
City of Shock!
Book two:
City of What the Fuck
Book three:
City of Shit
simple and to the point.
July 2, 2020
Check out my reviews for each book listed on their individual pages.
July 2, 2020
Check out my reviews for each book listed on their individual pages.
February 10, 2021
3.5 ⭐️s
I didn’t really review any of the books as I read them so I’m going to go ahead and just review the whole series in general:
Plot:
City of Bones: as the first book, I’d say it did a great job because it made want to continue reading. Cassandra did a great job introducing her characters and made a generally nice plot.
City of Ashes - City of Fallen Angels: literally every character was starting to get so annoying, by the angel, I wanted to punch everyone. I really really feel like there was no need to make TMI 6 books long. Books 2-4 could have just as well been just one book.
City of Lost Souls: In another review, I already wrote how much Sebastian’s incest issues creep me out, so moving on. Are you seriously going to tell me that All Hail the Queen Camille Belcourt was murdered by a 14-year old child who has been a vampire for 15 minutes?
Alec was pissing me off this whole book, and while I love Malec, I applaud Magnus for breaking up with him. Wait. Rewind. Alec had already been pissing me off for a while now. Is he seriously mad that Magnus (being like 437264278 years old) had relationships before him? Did he think Magnus was single his whole life waiting for Alec to be born? Come on Alec! I thought you were the smart and rational one!
City of Heavenly Fire: I love the general plot, of making the dark Shadowhunters and also having the fairies on Sebastian’s side. But Clary is so annoying, I don’t know why no one had tied her up and left in a dungeon until all the problems were solved.
But I’m not gonna lie, I did end up crying in the end. I’m extremely glad that Simon sacrificed himself instead of having Magnus doing it, but it still made me kind of sad….until they ended up just telling Simon everything. I mean, WHY? Why take his memories away just to tell him again.
I get that in wars there are a lot of casualties but I just feel like Cassandra kills people off just because. And literally all the time. Camille, Raphael, Jordan….they were kind of unnecessary in my opinion. I mean WHAT WAS THE REASON?
Also this book had no business being 700 pages long. So many things were said over and over and over and over again. Like when my man Jordan died. Yes, it made me sad. I actually kind of liked him. But his death story was explained in detail at least 3 times! Just….why? Once was enough.
Another thing that gets repeated too often is Clary’s love for Jace. Like, we get it. You love him. But she worships him and his looks like every 3 paragraphs.
Characters:
To make things easier, I’ll write a list of people that I like:
👦🏻 Alec
🧙🏼♂️Magnus
🧛🏻♀️ Camille
🧛🏻♂️Raphael
Do you know what all of them have in common? Each one of them gets like 5 minutes of attention per book.
Relationships:
Clary + Simon:
I’m an only child and as a kid I moved around a lot so I don’t know what it’s like to have a friendship as long as Clary and Simon have. But I do know that it’s not normal. They have ✨massive attachment issues✨. It reminds me of my dogs: as soon as I leave the house they start howling and it sounds like someone is trying to murder them. That’s Simon and Clary every time one of them gets up to go to the bathroom. It’s weird.
Maia + Jordan / Isabelle + Simon
Cassandra had such an amazing oportunity to give us MAIA + ISABELLE. They would have been such an amazing couple and you can’t tell me otherwise. Besides Maia was going to break up with Jordan anyways and Simon always seemed to prioritize Clary over Izzy (again, attachment issues)
BUT ASIDE FROM WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE SHIPS: These kids literally fall in love too fast. From City of Bones to City of Heavenly Fire, I believe 6 months have passed. Which means Jace & Clary were all lovey dovey probably like 2 weeks after they met each other.
But don’t get me wrong I LIKE THE SERIES. Which is why I give it 3 and a half beautiful ⭐️s.
I didn’t really review any of the books as I read them so I’m going to go ahead and just review the whole series in general:
Plot:
City of Bones: as the first book, I’d say it did a great job because it made want to continue reading. Cassandra did a great job introducing her characters and made a generally nice plot.
City of Ashes - City of Fallen Angels: literally every character was starting to get so annoying, by the angel, I wanted to punch everyone. I really really feel like there was no need to make TMI 6 books long. Books 2-4 could have just as well been just one book.
City of Lost Souls: In another review, I already wrote how much Sebastian’s incest issues creep me out, so moving on. Are you seriously going to tell me that All Hail the Queen Camille Belcourt was murdered by a 14-year old child who has been a vampire for 15 minutes?
Alec was pissing me off this whole book, and while I love Malec, I applaud Magnus for breaking up with him. Wait. Rewind. Alec had already been pissing me off for a while now. Is he seriously mad that Magnus (being like 437264278 years old) had relationships before him? Did he think Magnus was single his whole life waiting for Alec to be born? Come on Alec! I thought you were the smart and rational one!
City of Heavenly Fire: I love the general plot, of making the dark Shadowhunters and also having the fairies on Sebastian’s side. But Clary is so annoying, I don’t know why no one had tied her up and left in a dungeon until all the problems were solved.
But I’m not gonna lie, I did end up crying in the end. I’m extremely glad that Simon sacrificed himself instead of having Magnus doing it, but it still made me kind of sad….until they ended up just telling Simon everything. I mean, WHY? Why take his memories away just to tell him again.
I get that in wars there are a lot of casualties but I just feel like Cassandra kills people off just because. And literally all the time. Camille, Raphael, Jordan….they were kind of unnecessary in my opinion. I mean WHAT WAS THE REASON?
Also this book had no business being 700 pages long. So many things were said over and over and over and over again. Like when my man Jordan died. Yes, it made me sad. I actually kind of liked him. But his death story was explained in detail at least 3 times! Just….why? Once was enough.
Another thing that gets repeated too often is Clary’s love for Jace. Like, we get it. You love him. But she worships him and his looks like every 3 paragraphs.
Characters:
To make things easier, I’ll write a list of people that I like:
👦🏻 Alec
🧙🏼♂️Magnus
🧛🏻♀️ Camille
🧛🏻♂️Raphael
Do you know what all of them have in common? Each one of them gets like 5 minutes of attention per book.
Relationships:
Clary + Simon:
I’m an only child and as a kid I moved around a lot so I don’t know what it’s like to have a friendship as long as Clary and Simon have. But I do know that it’s not normal. They have ✨massive attachment issues✨. It reminds me of my dogs: as soon as I leave the house they start howling and it sounds like someone is trying to murder them. That’s Simon and Clary every time one of them gets up to go to the bathroom. It’s weird.
Maia + Jordan / Isabelle + Simon
Cassandra had such an amazing oportunity to give us MAIA + ISABELLE. They would have been such an amazing couple and you can’t tell me otherwise. Besides Maia was going to break up with Jordan anyways and Simon always seemed to prioritize Clary over Izzy (again, attachment issues)
BUT ASIDE FROM WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE SHIPS: These kids literally fall in love too fast. From City of Bones to City of Heavenly Fire, I believe 6 months have passed. Which means Jace & Clary were all lovey dovey probably like 2 weeks after they met each other.
But don’t get me wrong I LIKE THE SERIES. Which is why I give it 3 and a half beautiful ⭐️s.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2024
Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
In definitiva: i primi due libri sono entrambi da 1 stella - mi spiace ma si salvano solo perché
neonati, propedeutici e con qualche buona scena Urban, ma non voglio mai più nella mia vita rileggere la frase: "uno stregone che sembra un Sonic the Hedgehog versione gay e si veste come l'accalappiabambini nel film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" - l'ultimo merita invece 4 stelle piene per come l'autrice sia migliorata e sia riuscita a sbrogliare la matassa della sua stessa trama.
La differenza di scrittura fra i primi due libri e il terzo è abissale. Mi sono chiesto più di una volta se stessi effettivamente leggendo la stessa autrice. I primi due libri sono più simili ad un tipo di scrittura creativa e senza freni, tipica nei romanzi GA, che spesso peccano di errori nella sintassi o nella struttura dei paragrafi a favore di essere, a torto perché condiscendente come idea, di facile accesso ad un pubblico g-g-giovane; l'ultimo libro è invece molto più interessante nella sintassi, lessico e intreccio, anche se resta abbastanza lineare, restando comunque quel tanto Demure da non alienarsi il proprio pubblico.
Se nei primi due libri ci troviamo spesso a "Cringiare" per la maniera in cui si svolgono certi dialoghi invece, nell'ultimo capitolo di questa trilogia, ci troviamo quasi in dovere di fare i complimenti per come Clare riesce ad alternare in maniera efficace dialoghi più seri ai soliti suoi momenti da "adolescenti problematici". La psicologia e la caratterizzazione dei personaggi è più marcata e quindi apprezzabile.
Questa trilogia di per sé non mi ha molto sorpreso: la storia era vista e stravista e quelli che dovrebbero essere i colpi di scena e i misteri nei primi due libri ci sono di davvero banale risoluzione ed impatto. Questo non vuol dire che non abbia saputo intrattenermi, anzi. È un buon fantasy. Magari sulle relazioni intrapersonali e le discutibili romance possiamo lavorarci di più. Ma lascio questo oneroso compito alle schiere di fan e shippers che da più di quindici anni immagino si accapiglino.
Mi trovo a ritrattare il mio precedente desiderio per cui la "saga familiare" di Valentine si dovesse svolgere e finire in più breve tempo a favore di più "urban": è grazie alla possibilità di respiro dei tre libri che l'autrice riesce a dipingerci effettivamente una intrigante e tragica storia di Changeling , affetti difficili o impossibili da dimostrare e in definitiva un fantasy. Spero solo che i prossimi capitoli della saga spostino di più il focus sulle città e la difficile convivenza fra magico e mondano.
Resto comunque interdetto dal fatto che il migliore libro dei tre sia quello non ambientato a New York. Se questo doveva essere un Urban come è possibile che le migliori pagine si trovino tutte lontane dalla metropoli? È forse il mio gusto per il fantasy tradizionale che mi fa pendere l'ago della bilancia verso l'ultimo libro? No. In primis sono innamorato del concetto di Urban (Fables è uno dei miei fumetti preferiti) in secondo luogo ritengo che, sì i primi due libri abbiano delle ottime scene nel contesto urbano (l'incipit al pandemonium, la festa da Magnus, l'assalto al Hotel Dumort e nel secondo libro la corte seelie e la "rinascita"), ma che semplicemente peccano per i loro dialoghi (sono davvero terribili nel primo libro) e un eccessivo sforzo a rendere ogni personaggio da subito accattivante con battutine e frecciatine che in eccessivo numero infastidiscono (posso capire che dei teen-ager abbiano la lingua veloce e siano sempre pronti alla ripicca, ma che lo sia anche ogni singolo adulto no, grazie).
In definitiva: i primi due libri sono entrambi da 1 stella - mi spiace ma si salvano solo perché
neonati, propedeutici e con qualche buona scena Urban, ma non voglio mai più nella mia vita rileggere la frase: "uno stregone che sembra un Sonic the Hedgehog versione gay e si veste come l'accalappiabambini nel film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" - l'ultimo merita invece 4 stelle piene per come l'autrice sia migliorata e sia riuscita a sbrogliare la matassa della sua stessa trama.
La differenza di scrittura fra i primi due libri e il terzo è abissale. Mi sono chiesto più di una volta se stessi effettivamente leggendo la stessa autrice. I primi due libri sono più simili ad un tipo di scrittura creativa e senza freni, tipica nei romanzi GA, che spesso peccano di errori nella sintassi o nella struttura dei paragrafi a favore di essere, a torto perché condiscendente come idea, di facile accesso ad un pubblico g-g-giovane; l'ultimo libro è invece molto più interessante nella sintassi, lessico e intreccio, anche se resta abbastanza lineare, restando comunque quel tanto Demure da non alienarsi il proprio pubblico.
Se nei primi due libri ci troviamo spesso a "Cringiare" per la maniera in cui si svolgono certi dialoghi invece, nell'ultimo capitolo di questa trilogia, ci troviamo quasi in dovere di fare i complimenti per come Clare riesce ad alternare in maniera efficace dialoghi più seri ai soliti suoi momenti da "adolescenti problematici". La psicologia e la caratterizzazione dei personaggi è più marcata e quindi apprezzabile.
Questa trilogia di per sé non mi ha molto sorpreso: la storia era vista e stravista e quelli che dovrebbero essere i colpi di scena e i misteri nei primi due libri ci sono di davvero banale risoluzione ed impatto. Questo non vuol dire che non abbia saputo intrattenermi, anzi. È un buon fantasy. Magari sulle relazioni intrapersonali e le discutibili romance possiamo lavorarci di più. Ma lascio questo oneroso compito alle schiere di fan e shippers che da più di quindici anni immagino si accapiglino.
Mi trovo a ritrattare il mio precedente desiderio per cui la "saga familiare" di Valentine si dovesse svolgere e finire in più breve tempo a favore di più "urban": è grazie alla possibilità di respiro dei tre libri che l'autrice riesce a dipingerci effettivamente una intrigante e tragica storia di Changeling , affetti difficili o impossibili da dimostrare e in definitiva un fantasy. Spero solo che i prossimi capitoli della saga spostino di più il focus sulle città e la difficile convivenza fra magico e mondano.
Resto comunque interdetto dal fatto che il migliore libro dei tre sia quello non ambientato a New York. Se questo doveva essere un Urban come è possibile che le migliori pagine si trovino tutte lontane dalla metropoli? È forse il mio gusto per il fantasy tradizionale che mi fa pendere l'ago della bilancia verso l'ultimo libro? No. In primis sono innamorato del concetto di Urban (Fables è uno dei miei fumetti preferiti) in secondo luogo ritengo che, sì i primi due libri abbiano delle ottime scene nel contesto urbano (l'incipit al pandemonium, la festa da Magnus, l'assalto al Hotel Dumort e nel secondo libro la corte seelie e la "rinascita"), ma che semplicemente peccano per i loro dialoghi (sono davvero terribili nel primo libro) e un eccessivo sforzo a rendere ogni personaggio da subito accattivante con battutine e frecciatine che in eccessivo numero infastidiscono (posso capire che dei teen-ager abbiano la lingua veloce e siano sempre pronti alla ripicca, ma che lo sia anche ogni singolo adulto no, grazie).
May 14, 2020
SERIE THE MORTAL INSTRUMENT VOL. 1-2-3.
Presa da un attacco di nostalgia, ho deciso di rileggere la prima serie. A Natale mi hanno regalato i due volumoni che contengono tutti e sei i volumi della serie.
Avevo bisogno di rileggerli, perchè per sbaglio ho visto il film, (è un obrorio non guardatelo!) e per togliermelo dalla testa ho deciso di leggere questo volumone con la prima trilogia di TMI.
Sono stata contenta. Il grosso della storia la ricordavo, ma alcuni particolari li avevo dimenticati.
Ho amato Jace e Clary, e Simon e Isabelle e Alec e Magnus e..insomma tutti. E rileggere come tutto è iniziato mi ha stretto il cuore.
Pensavo che ormai sapendo la storia, non avrei riprovato le gioie e i dolori come nella prima lettura. Mi sbagliavo: ho riso e ho pianto con loro, e ho divorato quasi mille pagine in sei giorni.
E' anche vero che la Clare io la amo. E' una delle poche che riesce ad entrarmi sotto pelle, e farmi vivere ogni sentimento dei personaggi. E anche se mi fa spesso spezzare il cuore, io la amo per come poi rimette a posto tutto.
Nota dell'edizione.
Volume molto bello e sbarlucciccoso. Ed è bello averli insieme e rileggerli tutti in fila. Ovvio che non è molto pratico. Non si può portare il libro in giro, a meno che invece della borsa voi non giriate con un trolley XD. Essendo a casa in questo periodo, ne ho approfittato.
Unica pecca: ci sono degli errori di stampa. In un punto poi hanno sbagliato il soggetto. Invece di Jace, hanno messo Luke. O_o
Da un'edizione con copertina rigida e che costa la bellezza di 25 € mi aspettavo che ci fosse più attenzione. Fortuna che me l'hanno regalata ^^
Presa da un attacco di nostalgia, ho deciso di rileggere la prima serie. A Natale mi hanno regalato i due volumoni che contengono tutti e sei i volumi della serie.
Avevo bisogno di rileggerli, perchè per sbaglio ho visto il film, (è un obrorio non guardatelo!) e per togliermelo dalla testa ho deciso di leggere questo volumone con la prima trilogia di TMI.
Sono stata contenta. Il grosso della storia la ricordavo, ma alcuni particolari li avevo dimenticati.
Ho amato Jace e Clary, e Simon e Isabelle e Alec e Magnus e..insomma tutti. E rileggere come tutto è iniziato mi ha stretto il cuore.
Pensavo che ormai sapendo la storia, non avrei riprovato le gioie e i dolori come nella prima lettura. Mi sbagliavo: ho riso e ho pianto con loro, e ho divorato quasi mille pagine in sei giorni.
E' anche vero che la Clare io la amo. E' una delle poche che riesce ad entrarmi sotto pelle, e farmi vivere ogni sentimento dei personaggi. E anche se mi fa spesso spezzare il cuore, io la amo per come poi rimette a posto tutto.
Nota dell'edizione.
Volume molto bello e sbarlucciccoso. Ed è bello averli insieme e rileggerli tutti in fila. Ovvio che non è molto pratico. Non si può portare il libro in giro, a meno che invece della borsa voi non giriate con un trolley XD. Essendo a casa in questo periodo, ne ho approfittato.
Unica pecca: ci sono degli errori di stampa. In un punto poi hanno sbagliato il soggetto. Invece di Jace, hanno messo Luke. O_o
Da un'edizione con copertina rigida e che costa la bellezza di 25 € mi aspettavo che ci fosse più attenzione. Fortuna che me l'hanno regalata ^^
May 9, 2018
Loved the story and fell in love with many of the characters. This set made me wish the story would never end. Read the entire set within a week because I couldn't put the books down! Highly recommend!
October 23, 2022
As Always spectacular!
Forever my fav series and series recommendation!
Forever my fav series and series recommendation!
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