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City of Lost Souls
City of Lost Souls
City of Lost Souls
Audiobook17 hours

City of Lost Souls

Written by Cassandra Clare

Narrated by Molly C. Quinn

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

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About this audiobook

What price is too high to pay, even for love? Plunge into fifth installment in the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series and “prepare to be hooked” (Entertainment Weekly)—now with a gorgeous new cover, a map, a new foreword, and exclusive bonus content! City of Lost Souls is a Shadowhunters novel.

When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateMay 8, 2012
ISBN9781442349759
Author

Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare is the author of the #1 New York Times, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles. She is also the coauthor of the bestselling fantasy series Magisterium with Holly Black. The Shadowhunter Chronicles have been adapted as both a major motion picture and a television series. Her books have more than fifty million copies in print worldwide and have been translated into more than thirty-five languages. Cassandra lives in western Massachusetts with her husband and three fearsome cats. Visit her at CassandraClare.com. Learn more about the world of the Shadowhunters at Shadowhunters.com.

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  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A Very Low 3 Stars. If it wasn't for Simon in all his awesomeness it wouldn't have even gotten 2 stars.

    Lots of rambling and possible spoilers ahead:

    *ugh* Where do I even start?! This wasn't as terrible as a lot of people say it is...once you sift through the ridiculous amount of Clary whining over Jace. Can I just say that Jace under Sebastathan's control was much more likable than normal Jace?! CC really wrote him as an unlikable character. And it's funny because his love for himself and confidence could be compared with Magnus', but where Magnus is sassy and hilarious, Jace is conceited to the point where he seems like he's truly in love with himself, and it's just U.G.L.Y. (He ain't got no alibi!)

    And is it wrong that I LOVE Sebastathan? Where I hated Valentine because he was just a crazy zealot, I love Sebastathan because he's just pure evil. Valentine mistook his crazy self righteousness for pure intentions. Sebastathan knows he's evil and is surprisingly okay with it. Although deep down I think he does wish he was capable of love and being loved--specifically by Jace and Clary. That just may be his downfall. Or maybe not. More than likely Jace and new his heavenly fire along with Clary's blind, dumb luck will be the end for Sebastathan.

    And once again Clary races off into danger to save Jace without regard to herself or anyone else. Simon, Alec, Isabelle, and Magnus all risked their lives by summoning a greater demon and an actual angel of the lord, but at least they went in with a plan and they all worked together. Clary sees Jace in trouble and just goes running blindly into the unknown leaving everyone else to (potentially) pick up the pieces if her non-plan is an epic fail. Which it usually is. I get love, love so deep and passionate that you would potentially let the world burn to save your beloved, but that's only in thought not in deed. Once she stopped and thought about what was happening, she realized what a ginormously huge mistake she made by not letting Jace sacrifice himself. Jace knew what the cost of saving himself would be, and he didn't want to pay it. Now Sebastathan is on the loose with an Infernal Cup and revenge on his mind. He will very likely make a huge shadowhunter-hunter army. There will be a huge war and lots of people who didn't have to die, will in fact die. I'll say it again, Clary is selfish and thoughtless. It would have probably broken her to lose Jace, but the world would have kept on turning, Magnus is proof of it. I just feel like her selfishness is constantly rewarded. The amount of angst this couple exudes is just too much. I know it's teenage love, but DAMN!

    Isabelle needs to get over herself and tell Simon how she feels. She's the first one to think men should be tripping over themselves for her--that no one is worthy of her greatness, so why would anyone feel like they could truly have her? Why would they express their undying love if they know they're unworthy of her? That they'll just be shot down? She's another one with just a little too much conceit for my taste. I love a strong, confident, badass woman, but there's a thin line between self assurance and narcissism.

    And poor, sad, clueless Alec. I feel so, so bad for him. He's never done a relationship--even his familial relationships seem to be seriously lacking in the relationship department. Magnus was one hundred percent right to break-up with him--I sure as hell would have--but I still feel bad for Alec. He doesn't know what to do with these feels he's having, and quite frankly there isn't any one to talk to about them. His parents are useless, his sister is too self involved, Jace and Clary can't see past one another, and he has no other true friends--he'd ever go to Simon. He was scared, and jealous, and confused, but it didn't make what he did right, even if he did realize what a dumb ass he was and decided to do the right thing. It was so wrong to try to make such an enormous decision for Magnus. He should have spoken to Magnus about it; if he had been honest, he would have learned that Magnus was already considering it, and that would have probably been enough to ease his fears. But he didn't talk to the man he supposedly loved and ended up losing him. Poora, poora, pussy cat. (Anyone who gets that reference has my respect as a lover of old school!)

    And poor Magnus! How must he feel being betrayed by someone he loves so deeply. He never wanted to, or thought he could be in love with a shadowhunter, but he made an exception for Alec--not that he could have stopped himself from loving him, but he could have stayed away from him. Magnus risked a lot getting involved with a young, inexperienced, closeted, shadowhunter. He risked his heart, his life, and quite frankly his sanity to be with Alec and he was repaid with treachery. And what's worse, he was actually considering giving up his immortality so that he could grow old with Alec. That's like the ultimate slap in the face!

    Now with all that being said, Alec didn't mean any harm, and he really had come to his senses before he did anything irreparably stupid. I truly hope Magnus doesn't take too long to realize this and they get back together. But I'm sure the road to a Malec reunion will be long and full of *shudder* angst. I never knew there could be too much teenage angst in an YA series and yet we have this series. I'm committed now; five books deep, there's no turning back. There had just better be an epic reunion of Alec and Magnus in the next book...and less Clace wangst!

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    My love for this series has been rekindled! While I did enjoy City of Fallen Angels, I still thought it was taking it too far and had hoped the series would end at book three. This, however, was brilliant and contained everything I loved about The Mortal Instruments in the first place! This one was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions and I'm sure any fans of the series will not be disappointed with the latest installment. I tried to read it as slowly as possible because I couldn't handle it being over for another while. Thankfully, there is over 500 pages so we do get a lot of action.

    City of Lost Souls has a very different feel to the rest of the books and it's something that I wasn't sure I would like. Jace in particular really takes a back seat during the book and I was devastated about this at first! Jace has always been my absolute favourite character and in this book, he is ''possessed'' basically and well, a real jerk. I didn't like him at all when he was this ''other Jace'' and I missed his sarcasm and snarky remarks! Fear not though, because we do get some of the ''real Jace'' just not as much as in previous books. But honestly, I ended up not caring a whole lot in the end because everything else made up for it. Don't get me wrong, I still adore him but his absence wasn't as awful as I thought it would be.

    With Jace gone for a lot of it, we get to know the other characters better. Characters I was never even that fond of before this one. Simon always annoyed me and I used to hate when the book would focus in on him but I loved him in this. I loved getting to know him and seeing a Simon who wasn't just pining after Clary the whole time. I was excited to see Simon and Isabella getting closer and was definitely rooting for them. And Alec and Magnus? Loved. We get a lot of exciting scenes with them together and I wanted even more! They were so fun to watch together but it's not all plain sailing either.

    Cassandra Clare's writing continues to grab me and I find it a pleasure to read. I always find her books impossible to set down and this was no exception. The plot in City of Lost Souls is so intense and at times even terrifying. There is so much going on and it can be a bit overwhelming, too. By the end, I just didn't know what to think. I was so happy about some things and devastated about other things. This was another winner and I am so excited about the sixth book. It's just sort of sickening that it won't be out until 2014! I'm going to have to put the series out of my mind because other wise I'll go crazy during the wait.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I love oh so much!!! I could not stop listening to interested in the storyline.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    My. God. Cassandra Clare. I cannot comprehend her brilliance. She is flawless. She's beyond flawless. This book was everything I wanted and more. A lot more. Too much so. My heart is in pieces. My God. This book though. I can't even. God. I'm obsessed. I'm hooked. I'm screwed because the next book doesn't come out for forever. BUT THEN IT'S THE LAST ONE. I don't want it to end. I think I've grown more attached to the characters in this series than I ever have in any other book/book series in the history of my life. AND THAT'S SAYING SOMETHING.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As the series goes on I've realised that Mortal Instruments resembles more and more the pattern you see in shounen manga. A few protagonists the author thinks people should enjoy spending time with surrounded by a cast of people the reader actually cares about and wished got more time.Clary and Jace are some of the worst lead characters I can remember because Cassandra Clare thinks two people so in love they're ready to set the world on fire to be together is the pinnacle of romance. Jace makes a good point when he says he never realised how others felt when he put himself in danger until he saw Clary do it and yet they both continue to be arrogant, reckless teenagers and just seem to get more wrapped up in each other. Codependent relationships are not considered healthy but our author on this trip can't get enough of it.Meanwhile every other couple orbiting around the two star-crossed idiots are far more compelling to follow. Simon continues to be my favourite person in this and his relationship with Isabelle is touchy. They both continue to grow and test the waters to see how their relationship is going to work. Alec and Magnus are ripping it up as couple having troubles which is interesting as they're the only couple in the series who aren't trapped in the fairytale perfection the rest of the cast live in. They actually seem to be having problems which aren't just the contrived obstacles Clare keeps throwing in the path of Jace and Clary so they can finally have sex and have it be all the more amazing for having taken 6 books to happen despite being absolutely completely in love with each other the entire time. Alec and Magnus aren't a foregone conclusion which is just an exercise in tedious waiting for the resolution we all know fine well is coming along when the author can get over herself and actually finish the series.It's almost not worth talking about the plot with how utterly contrived it is. Cassandra Clare has never heard of foreshadowing as plot devices jump into existence when she requires them. Most of the fundamentals of the universe still haven't been explained despite having reached the penultimate book (I hope and pray it is anyway) and major institutions like the Iron Sisters just pop up out of nowhere because oh yeah we need some crafter or something to make this train-wreck of a plot keep going.All in all I continue to rate this series higher than it deserves because I love Simon and I've grown to like the other side characters. If Jace and Clary would just drop down a hole and disappear forever it would actually be a genuine 4 star series but until my wishes come true the Mortal Instruments continue to coast along on the power of how much I like Simon.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Not as great as the original 3. Clare should have stopped it after 3. Still, good story. Just should have started a different series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The narrator was not very good. Almost didn't finish listening.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Exquisite writing style and vivid characters; The intrigue is also masterfully woven with just enough suspense
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Amazing very enjoyable and no flaws and like omg so addicting
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Wonderful audiobook. I enjoyed it very much! Will continue to listen to these on audio.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    It's kind of boring compared to the other books but still good
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I am really enjoying this series and I really like Clare's writing style. This continues on where "City of Fallen Angels" concluded - with Jace and Sebastian bound and thus Clary once against separated. TBH, the whole Jace/Clary relationship is tedious and I am weary of it - I wish she would just let those two be together and move on to someone else - or, as Clary's mother put it - maybe they should not be together at all? Anyhow, it's all a bit over time top at times. I found the side plots far more interesting - I'm a little in love with Magnus and, possibly because, I consider Alec a jealous and somewhat unappealing character, it was interesting watching things sour between them. Isabelle is growing on me, with her forthright, downright abrupt manner and I loved the role she took on in this book. The rekindling of friendship between Jordan and Maia was cute. And, well, I know he's not a particularly popular character, but Simon has to be one of my favourites. I feel Clare portrays the sort of geekier type of guy pretty well, and whilst Shadowhunters may have the sexy and dangerous vibe, I'd rather have someone that made me laugh and I felt comfortable with.

    Overall, the plot itself was okay, a bit tedious at times with all the backing-and-forthing of idea, but the actual climax was pretty dramatic and I love how the cast seem to live and breathe (except Simon cos he's a vampire) on the pages. This series is still one of my top recommended teenage reads and I shall continue to savour each volume.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    At the end of City of Fallen Angels, Lilith's ritual is complete and Sebastian awakens, linked to Jace. Now they've disappeared, and the Shadowhunters trying to track them are having no luck. Clary isn't about to take the loss of her boyfriend sitting down, however, and has plans of her own - with her friends Simon, Isabelle and Alec - to get Jace back, whatever the cost.As the fifth book in the series following Clary Fray and Jace Lightwood and their friends in saving the world from demons and other evil, this title has all the pluses and minuses of the other books in the series. The action sequences are heart-pounding; the story is long (over 500 pages) yet the pages move quickly, most of the time. We're following a lot of characters now, and I thought the story suffered somewhat for being spread over so many people and places. I found myself annoyed with Clary for her "anything for Jace" attitude, and I think that's why it's my least favorite in the series so far.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Being that this is my first audio book, I was a little nervous. I have never listen to one so I thought I give it a try. I LOVED It!!!I was afraid that being that this is an audiobook that I would not be able to get into it. I was wrong. The reader, Molly Quinn did a superb job reading the story so intensely I found myself getting into the book faster than what I thought. She change her voice well the fit all the characters, so I didn't have to worry about not recognizing the characters. The plot over all, two thumbs up. The story is so exciting with compelling action that at times I did not want to stop listening to it. I mean, really, This book is so amazing. The characters have grown up so much and are so much wiser. Clary is smarter in what she does. She thinks things through and does her best to once again, save the one that she loves.The love interest in the this book is just crazy. CRAZY! Ms.Clare wrote the love interest so intense that you can't help but root for them till the end. And once you get the end, you are in agony. (At least, I was. So sad.)Take it from me when I say that this book totally rocks. Mind blowing and explosive, City Of Lost Souls is simply divine. Written so heated with many kisses, action, heart-ache, City Of Lost Souls is epic!
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    DNF'd this one, I just couldn't force myself to read another page.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Ugh. Really? Ugh. The first few chapter were Jace-less, which significantly improved my ability to tolerate it, but then (of course) Clary has to do a stupid and go after him. Sebastian and Jace are in a total bromance now, which is great, because Sebastian wants to give "the D" to Clary. Yay incestuous love triangles? This series keeps devolving more and more into the lowest dregs of fanfiction.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    So.... this book was amazing. It was almost a five star book. Or, should I say it had a five star book within it? But why drag our attention from the story with superfluous characters and persistent side-plots? Who cares? It's like adding A1 sauce to a filet mignon, unnecessary and distracting. There were too many side plots, Maia and Jordan, Luke and Jocelyn, Isabelle and Simon, Simon and his fam, Magnus and Alec... And so on.... But, it was great all the same. I started it twice before I read it through, but when the novel finnally gets into the meat of the plot (it takes a while), the book was hard to put down.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Well--not bad. The reasoning Clary gives right before doing The Big Thing she does at the end really doesn't make any sense...the explanation given after the fact is better, but it's frustrating at the time, because it's the climax of the book and I'm thinking, "Uh...whut? Author fail." Also, I really wish I could stop reading things like "have smote." But whatever.

    The plot's good, and the developments at the end of this book are definitely the most interesting of the series. Bummer to have to wait for the next one.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Ahhh so freaking good! I love this series so much. Every single thing about it, is perfect. I honestly don’t know how I can write a review for a book that I enjoyed this much. What can I say about it other than I loved everything? There was nothing about it I didn’t like.If you haven’t read this series, you need to. Seriously, right now. Stop reading this and go pick up book one, City of Bones.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    [Tuesday, November 30, 2010] City of Lost Souls (scheduled May, 2012).

    [Monday, March 05, 2012] Did I say how much I'm in LOVE with this cover?

    [Saturday, May 26, 2012] I got my copy yesterday! Yay!! When Jace vanishes with Sebastian, Clary and the Shadowhunters struggle to piece together their shattered world and Clary infiltrates the group planning the world's destruction.

    [Saturday, August 18, 2012] Since I got the book, I've been dying to actually sit and read it but with my crazy workaholic life I had NO time, so I got the audio-book, I already finished part 1 so I was looking forward to continue but when I heard who was reading I got so upset. It's the same chick who read "Wolves of Mercy Fall" series and I HATE her voice... it makes me so SO so sleepy... I wished that the first girl would be reading from City of Bones. Now I have to go sleepy to see what will happen to Jace and Clary!!

    [Saturday, January 26, 2013] For a moment there I almost had a stroke! I wanted Clary to do the right thing but at the same time... it's Jace! My favorite!! But all in all it was kind of a happy ending. By the way I love Maia and Jordan together!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is the fifth YA novel in the Mortal Instrument series. The greater demon Lilith has been "killed" and returned to Hell but Jace is now missing, last seen with the resurrected son of Valentine, Sebastian. Jace and Sebastian have been bound; Jace being subservient to Sebastian and any attempt to kill Sebastian will result in the death of Jace. Sebastian is now plotting to raise a race of dark Shadowhunters through the aid of Lilith's blood. Clary and the others spend much of the remainder of the book trying to find a weapon that will kill Sebastian without hurting Jace. I enjoyed this novel; however, the adolescent ardor was a bit too much to bear. However, I must remember that this novel was written for teenagers; not a middle-age man.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The story continues to unfold, but the slowness of the going is growing painful. Perhaps my tolerance for teen angst and pent up sexual frustrations is finally fading in my advancing age. Perhaps I am just ready to know how this story ends already. Being on book 6.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    In City of Lost Souls, there'll be hell to payThe Shadowhunters' world is in disarray.The reality is blurred between friends and foes,And in this game of hmmm....love? anything goes.For Jace is lost and his will is on loanAnd if Clary's not careful, all will be blown.Will their love be strong enough to withstandThe pain and destruction from Sebastian's hand?And then there is Simon, with the Mark of Cain,Will he be Heaven or Hell's, and can he be slain?And Isabelle Lightwood who stole Simon's heart,Will losing Max and then Jace tear her apart?And what about Alec who loves Magnus Bane,Is immortality possible for him to obtain?Or will he grow old and thus wither away,Perhaps he should bargain with the Queen of the Fae.To burn down the world is Sebastian's goal,But even more, he wants his sister's soul.To make her love him is his greatest needThrough blood and death, will he succeed?Through broken hearts and minds and dangers untold,For fighting heaven and hell, they will pay tenfold.At the end of day, they must all stand and fight,Or else they fall victim to Sebastian's dark might.This is the BEST book in the Mortal Instruments series!!! I read it in one day, and then I went back and read and re-read my favorite parts--there were quite a few! I'm actually tempted to stop writing right now and go re-read them again!!!You know how there are certain moments that change your life? Well, reading City of Lost Souls was one of those (okay...so much more than a moment, but still) moments! I was swept away into Cassie's world--if only I could live there permanently.Okay...so most people who are going to read this book already love Cassie Clare and TMI, so I'm just going to go with a few reasons why you should read this RIGHT AWAY! (We'll do a countdown)5. I love when the Fae interfere--I mean, they are just so cunningly evil! Anytime the Queen is around, you know you are in for something dark and twisty!4. We get to see into Magnus's world! His world is quirky and fun, but with an air of mystery and danger. It divides the line between good and evil, and it's nice to ride that line with the warlock. Magnus has been in so many of Cassie's books, but I really love seeing him get personal in this one!3. I love the world that Sebastian, Jace, and Clary get swept away in. I won't say much because it would be too spoilery, but there was so much grey there that I didn't know who to trust--and I didn't care! I just wanted more! 2. Sebastian is the absolute best villain ever! I mean--bold statement coming--I think I like him better than Voldemort! (Please don't strike me with a lightning bolt...) He's charming and sexy and manipulative at first, and I just can't help but have a weird crush on him, but then we witness one scene that shows his true depravity. There is nothing better than a truly insane, sexy, yet oh so creepy villain! (Brief Statement: The scene in question has gotten a lot of rumble over the past week, and in my opinion, there was nothing wrong with it. It was there to show how truly vile Sebastian is, and it worked.)1. Jace--of course! Even though he's not the Jace we all remember, he is still to die for! He's just as sexy, just as scandalous--even more so because Sebastian's pulling the strings, and just as kick butt! I dare you not to completely fall in love with him!So...if my wonderful poem didn't convince you and my wonderful countdown did not convince you, then I have to conclude that you are just crazy! May Jace's stele strike you down!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Apart from an egregious firearms error (shotguns fire shells, not bullets), more awesome and damn it I have to wait another year for the resolution? So not cool...
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Loved this book! I loved that we get to see more of Sebastian and really get to see what makes him tick! Also, we get to see more of Clary's mother, which I like too! Overall great book!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I'm not much of a critic when it comes to Clary and Jace... I fell hook, line, and sinker for this world when I read the first book. This one was a great adventure - as they all have been... I was a little sad at a couple of the storyline resolutions (or lack thereof...) But reading is an escape, and this fit the bill!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    City of Lost Souls picks up directly where City of Fallen Angels left off, with Jace on the rooftop and the ensuing plot thickening. For those of you who don't know, The Mortal Instruments series was originally intended to be a trilogy. Cassandra Clare decided to extend the series to six novels, so the last three book are a sort of quasi-second-trilogy. I bring up these possibly confusing and seemingly pointless facts because I was somewhat concerned City of Lost Souls would suffer from middle-book-itis, wherein the plot and character development serve only to drive the overreaching arcs forward and set us up for the final run.I am pleased to say that I did not get that feeling from this book. Although it does serve its purpose to set the story up for the finale, the novel does so much more. We see new sides of characters we've either never seen or only caught glimpses of before. Sebastian, although he is clearly supposed to be the bad guy, is so much more interesting than just a stock villain figure. The changes in Jace are intriguing and cause quite a quandry for Clary. Clare also plays with the characters and their relationships. And I don't mean just Clary and Jace. While this book is about them, it is just as much about the secondary characters. I particularly enjoyed the developments between Isabella and Simon, Jordan and Maia, and of course, Alec and Magnus. City of Lost Souls dredges up lots of character development through dealing with tough issues. Isabella must come to terms with being vulnerable if she wishes to experience love, Alec must come to terms with his mortality and Magnus's lack of same, and Clary must repeatedly decide between her principles and the love of her life (though not just in the way that first comes to mind). Self-discovery through trial-and-error, angst and sundry tribulations is something that young adult fiction is exceedingly good at and well known for. City of Lost Souls is a great and enjoyable example. There are so many feelings in this book, and I love it. If you've enjoyed the previous Mortal Instruments novels and/or The Infernal Devices, I would not hesitate to pick up this book. I can't tell you much about it without giving major plot spoilers, but I can tell you that Clare has written a solid novel here, and I await City of Heavenly Fire with much eagerness to see how it all ends.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Another whirlwind run through this world, fast and heavy-hearted for our bunch. From trial to trial, from lesson to lesson, from hard chances and choices each time. I loved how twisted it go. I love that we got to be more in Simon's head after all he's been through, same with the werewolves.

    I am not sure how I felt about the whole Jace part (which, yes, is the whole lean over from the end of the last book), but I'm very curious to see how the end result of that (the climax of this one), plays on in book 6.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Welp, this is the last of the reviews for The Mortal Instruments books... until next year when I get to read Clockwork Princess (eep!). While it makes me sad I will no longer be reading Shadowhunter stories, I'm also sure that you, the readers, are utterly sick and tired of my Cassandra Clare book reviews. Don't worry, there are some new and exciting books I've been dying to read and they will be up on the blog as soon as my little eyes can read them. Once again, I'm not going to give too much of a synopsis for City of Lost Souls, just in case we have some Mortal Instruments virgins out there. I would hate to ruin any part of these stories for anyone. Basically what you need to know is that Jace is in trouble... and I mean big trouble. It's not only the Clave that he's in danger from, but Sebastian has become the largest threat in his life and it's up to Clary and the gang to find a way to save him from Sebastian and himself. They'll have to search for help from the most dangerous of sources. As any family would, they'll do anything they can to save their Jace.While I know it's always the feeling after reading the next installment of a book sereis to say that it's your favorite, but this one tops my list of Mortal Instruments books for a few reasons:For me, the best part of this book was the fact that there was a lot of world travel. For some reason, this aspect of the story took it to a whole new level and I could hardly put the book down. We get to see Venice, Paris, Prague and a lot of other really cool places and I loved every minute of their worldly adventures. It showed you that no matter where our characters were in the world, Shadowhunters existed and so did Downworlders and Demons. While I know what you're probably saying, "Well duh, how could you not have known that?" Well of course I knew this, but it was awesome to see our characters somewhere other than New York City. Next, there was a lot more "sexy time" in this book. And I don't mean just from Clary and her man Jace, but really everyone! We saw couples and non-couples throughout the whole book cozying up to one anther and demonstrating their love to each other. "This was one of your favorite parts of the book," you ask? Yes. Yes it was. I'm a girl and a sucker for a good book romance so who could blame me for being excited to see a little bit more snogging and dark-corner snuggling? I think the last thing I'm going to talk about is Sebastian, our evildoer. I love Sebastian. I know your all gasping in your seats and wondering how a seemingly nerdy, but nevertheless normal girl like myself could possibly say that they love Sebastian. I'll tell you why... he's one of the best villians I've seen in a while. Unlike many of the evil masterminds we see today, he isn't just some demented figure bent on world destruction who rubs his hands together menacingly and has a maniacal laugh. No, Sebastian is truely a super evil person. He is not only trying to hurt our main characters (which we will never forgive him for), but he is quite literally trying to oppose heaven and heavan's survants. Who does that? In this way, I love Sebastian in that he is one of my top villians of all time. Gotta love that evil little bastard.Clare really hit this one out of the park for me. I enjoyed this story and I cant wait for everyone to read it! 10 out of 10 Happy Reading :)-AllisonThis review brought to you by Allison at imabibliophobic.blogspot.com
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This series is getting a bit stale, but I really want to see where everything ends. There are a lot more religious references, but not the kind that would make you want to recommend this to someone who likes inspirational fiction. Haha