Michelle’s Reviews > The Mortal Instruments Special Edition Box Set > Status Update
Michelle
is 17% done
City of Bones:
Pros - The world is very immersive and digestible, and NYC is a great backdrop that I enjoy more now as an adult. The powers that these supernatural teenagers have provide a fun level of magical strength without removing tension. The romance twist at the end is at least fresh, ignoring that its weirdness will be pervasive in the next book. Great character.
Cons - Insta love; repetition; contrivances
— Aug 27, 2026 01:49PM
Pros - The world is very immersive and digestible, and NYC is a great backdrop that I enjoy more now as an adult. The powers that these supernatural teenagers have provide a fun level of magical strength without removing tension. The romance twist at the end is at least fresh, ignoring that its weirdness will be pervasive in the next book. Great character.
Cons - Insta love; repetition; contrivances
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Michelle’s Previous Updates
Michelle
is 67% done
City of Fallen Angels:
I really enjoyed the slower pace, the focus on Simon and Clary, and the connections with TID! It's giving filler book, yet the character work was strong. My gripe with Clare's choices to only write perfect relationships for our main character and their allies is addressed here somewhat effectively. Also: Very silly New York accent for Simon and Jace on the audiobook.
— Oct 01, 2026 06:34AM
I really enjoyed the slower pace, the focus on Simon and Clary, and the connections with TID! It's giving filler book, yet the character work was strong. My gripe with Clare's choices to only write perfect relationships for our main character and their allies is addressed here somewhat effectively. Also: Very silly New York accent for Simon and Jace on the audiobook.
Michelle
is 34% done
City of Glass:
Well, thank goodness that plotpoint is done. The controversial parts could have been removed without affecting the momentum (and yes, that probably would have affected the books' popularity). Despite this, the story is honestly pretty good, and the world-building and politics solidify nicely in this one.
Anyway, time for my detour into the prequel series, as I am reading these in publication order.
— Sep 04, 2026 11:45AM
Well, thank goodness that plotpoint is done. The controversial parts could have been removed without affecting the momentum (and yes, that probably would have affected the books' popularity). Despite this, the story is honestly pretty good, and the world-building and politics solidify nicely in this one.
Anyway, time for my detour into the prequel series, as I am reading these in publication order.
Michelle
is 34% done
City of Ashes:
Not the best book in the world. Lots of confusing business in the romance department, though I think the moral questions that are asked are interesting, if the answers are unsatisfying and thus controversial. The great character-building and world-building certainly helped fuel even more tumblr popularity. Cleverer than comparable sequels, even if the events are contrived. And ultimately it's fun!!
— Aug 31, 2026 12:10PM
Not the best book in the world. Lots of confusing business in the romance department, though I think the moral questions that are asked are interesting, if the answers are unsatisfying and thus controversial. The great character-building and world-building certainly helped fuel even more tumblr popularity. Cleverer than comparable sequels, even if the events are contrived. And ultimately it's fun!!
Michelle
is starting
Re-reading the entire series and choosing to mark it this way due to (1) reliance on audiobooks making this more of a skim compared to previous reads and (2) not wanting to taint my middle school reviews with adult jadedness 🙃🙃
That is to say I am enjoying City of Bones far more than expected!
I will write one overarching review at the end... we'll see how it comes out :)
— Aug 26, 2026 09:47PM
That is to say I am enjoying City of Bones far more than expected!
I will write one overarching review at the end... we'll see how it comes out :)