City of Lost Souls

The Mortal Instruments #5

by Cassandra Clare

The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon.

What price is too high to pay, even for love? 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.

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

535 pages, Hardcover

First published May 8, 2012

About the author

Hello Goodreadsers. Here's my official bio:

"Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts."

You can find me online at

www.cassandraclare.com

I have a blog:

http://cassandraclare.livejournal.com/

and a Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/Cassandraclare

and a Twitter:

www.twitter.com/cassieclare

I'll be available here on Goodreads to answer questions for a Goodreads Author Discussion starting September 18 — http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/3...

Go sign up so you don't miss the conversation when it starts!

Reviews

[Jesse (JesseTheReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's the deal.. this book was SLOW TO THE BONE, but the end result was worth the SLOWNESS. It just took forever and a day to get to the really interesting parts. I definitely liked this a lot more than City of Fallen Angels. I'll admit though after reading TID, nothing will compare to the beautifulness of that trilogy.

[Kiki · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book couldn't make less sense if it were written in elvish.

[Roohdaar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beware of spoilers!

I didn't see a point to this book. Clare really should have ended her series at City of Glass. We all know that. Well, all of us who are not fans of Clare's work. However, since this book was 534 freaking pages, I figured that I should talk about a few things.

Clace
So these two are one person. I honestly don't see them as two separate characters sometimes because they are so similar and shitty. We never really get to experience these characters as themselves, rather they are always together. However, for now let's separate these two just to save us all from the confusion.

CoFA and CoLS were all about Jace. I don't even think Clary should have been the protagonist in these books. Jace and his luscious golden hair, smooth skin, and amber eyes. I mean, three books clearly weren't enough to describe his heavenly features. I'm sure the readers are fully aware of his physical features by now.

So this whole real Jace/evil Jace concept was confusing the hell out of me. The evil Jace wasn't even evil. In fact, I thought the evil Jace was the real one. Because he was a piece of shit. He would make those incredibly Jace-like haughty remarks about how perfect and desirable he was. Jace would not survive in the real world with that arrogant attitude, which is why he's fictional. Thank God. Anyway, I don't get it. All those times they cut each other open with their bare hands made out, Clace was like, "Oh, that wasn't the real Jace. Oh, I didn't want our first time to go like this because I'm not the real Jace."

And this one time when they were finally about to have sex, but they didn't because they needed to whine and moan more:

I'm jealous.
Of who?
Myself. I hate the thought of him being with you. The other me. The one Sebastian controls.

That's such terrible, ugly writing.

I am so sick of Clace. I am so sick of Jace being overly proud of himself. I am so sick of Clary practically worshiping Jace and finding every excuse to justify his shitty behavior and actions. Their scenes are so terribly written. There are pages of them talking about how they would do anything for each other. How they love each other. Pages of their cringey romance.

By the way, I wasn't kidding when I said they wanted to cut each other open with their bare hands. Don't believe me?

He kissed her harder and she clutched his shoulders as he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth and bit down on it, sending a shock of pleasure mixed with pain through her body. She squirmed to get closer to him and felt his breath quicken; she could taste blood in her mouth, salt and hot. It was as if they wanted to cut each other apart, she thought, to climb inside each other and breathe each other’s breath and share each other’s heartbeats, even if it killed them both. There was blood under her nails where she had clawed his back.

Just terribly written and overdone.

Also, read this sentence.

A soft explosion went off in her head, like a dull firework of rage.

In Clare's mind, explosions are soft and fireworks are dull.

[hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews at The Teen Bookworm!

City of Lost Souls took a while to digest. All night I could feel it in my gut like deadweight. All the subplots and characters and relationships and the fact that so much was going on made this book hard to break down.

But, finally, I woke up this morning and it all made sense. So, seeing as the book has been split into separate filing cabinets in my brain, I'm going to replicate that onto this review:

The Good:

I felt that Lost Souls was more compulsively readable than the other installments in the series. With all of the other books, I frequently found myself banging my head against the wall/skimming/debating microwaving an owl. With this installment, I found myself wanting to keep reading. Lost Souls had a lot more substance than the other books, which were stuffed with boring, meaningless conversation. Even though the book is a whopping 536 pages (Clare's second longest book yet, Glass being the longest), it never lets go of you.

I also appreciate how Clare didn't end the book with a tremendous, soul-shocking cliffhanger that makes you want to steal Clare's laptop to get a glimpse of the final book in the series. The end does make you want to read the next one, just not in a way that'll make you dread the long, long wait until March '14. Yes, that's twenty-two months of waiting. I don't know how I'm going to wait that long.

Another thing I love about The Mortal Instruments is how there are so many characters that you can fall in love with. My favorite couple in the books is Isabelle and Simon. They're my two favorite characters in the book, and they're totally meant for each other. <3 Clare writes their relationship very well. Even though Simon is a vampire, he feels like one of the most human characters in the book. He feels more than any of the other characters, and he isn't blind-sided by love. Izzy is his perfect match. I can't wait for their relationship to develop in the last book.

Another relationship I love is Alec/Magnus. I love gay characters in YA, because I'm all for LGBTQ-type stuff, and Clare writes them really well. Alec is another of those really fleshed-out characters Clare wrote. And Magnus . . . *sigh* Who doesn't love glitter and sequins and scarves? Magnus is definitely the most fun character in the novels. He makes the books fun to read. Clare writes sarcasm and wit really well. I would find some awesome quotes, but I don't feel like it, honestly.

Overall, Lost Souls is a vast improvement over Fallen Angels, except for one major thing...


The Bad:

*Clary Fray. Oh my GOODNESS, woman. You need to realize that there are more things in the world than Jace Lightwood/Herondale/Morgenstern. One scene in the book had me wanting to shove her head into an oven. Yeah, you know the one I'm talking about: when she yells for Sebastian when Jace is contemplating turning himself in. Did it piss you off as much as it did me? She spent the first few chapters wangsting about Jace's absence and Jace this and Jace that and SHUT UP! I have a sledgehammer and I'm not afraid to use it.

*ALEC AND MAGNUS BROKE UP! D: Their relationship was one of my favorites. Hopefully, Alec can win him back in 2014 when the next book comes out. (Yeah, can you tell I'm still totally pissed about that date?)


Those are the only two things I took extreme issue with in the book. Overall, it's an engaging read with some slight annoyances but an overall tightly-crafted plot and explosive climax.


Three and a Half Owls




Pre-Read Review:

That cover is sexy, and I don't call many books sexy.


This series has a few primary types of fans:

1) The Mindless
The fan that goes OMG CLARY AND JACE ARE SO CUTE and JACE IS SOOOOO HOT and I LUV THESE BOOKS.

2) The Recent Haters
The fan that shit bricks while reading the first three books, but due to the downfall, decided to hate the fourth book and will still read the fifth book, because subconsciously, they think the fifth will magically get better.

3) The Masochists
The fan that goes OH MY GOD I HATE THESE BOOKS WITH A PASSION but will, for some reason, still read the next installments.

4) The Imagineers
The fan that loves the first three books and loves how the original trilogy ended, pretending the fourth, fifth and sixth books will never be in existence and that Clare actually decided to shitcan the idea of an extended series.

And then there's me.

[Kitty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alec.

*sigh*




Gurl, we need to talk. No, you know what. This is not your fault. This is the author's fault. Before I go on I should say MAJOR FUCKING SPOILERS!!!!!


So, I briefly decided posting a full review where I was going to talk about the series as a whole and all the characters that had these little aborted attempts at plot points. But I think it's time to come clean and confess that somewhere between here and the last book everyone else (with the possible exception of Izzy and Simon)bore the heck out of me now. All the characters have gotten as bland as the unsticky side of a band aid. Seriously. I just can't pretend to care about them anymore. Why do these new books exist? Why is there so little plot? Cassy Clare, I am so confused! These books are boring as hell.



So I'm swallowing my pride. I'm getting real. And while Izzy and Simon's story line was cute enough, the thing that kept me flipping pages again and again was finding out what happened to Alec and Magnus. Lame, I know, but at this point if we can all admit to actually reading these books I figure there's not a whole lot of room for pride. In the original books their story line was something of a little treat for me to savor on the side and I wanted to find out what would happen this time around for them.

Unfortunately it seems that I don't even have this tidbit to look foreword to anymore. Seriously, no joke. What in the hell happened to this character? Lazy writing no longer covers it. In fact it's beginning to smell a whole lot like author revenge here. Maybe this is what happens when she has to stop stealing from other authors and has to rely on her own imagination?

Alec and Magnus are still going through the same old shit as last time. You're immortal. I'm not. Waaaaahhhh! But wait! Enter a sexy vampire vixen who claims to have the answer! So after more whining, Alec decides to go off and beat the answer out of her. And when I say beat, I to mean beat. The first thing Alec and Camille do after meeting is fight. It was actually kind of gratifying in a way to see Alec back in action again. But alas she has no cure! The solution? Take away Magnus's immortality.

[image error]

Wait. What? As far as relationship ideas go this has to be about as great as that guy who decides to wax his wife's eyebrow off on youtube. Alec, Clare, at what point does doing the psychic equivalent of ripping out your boyfriend's liver and pawning it on the black market minus their consent actually translate into them thanking you and *staying with you* so you can be in twu wuv 4-evah! ?

Let me back up here. This would actually have been something of an interesting plot point if it had been handled correctly. At this part in the book I was honestly bored out of my mind with Clary and Jace and I thought this might be the saving part of the book for me. Except that it unfortunately, and quite embarrassingly, shows that Clare has absolutely no idea how real human beings function or act.

(I briefly considered all the different ways I could go about talking about this plot point without saying too much, but there's absolutely no way that I can discuss it without explaining it in full. Keep going at your own risk.)


His reasoning for considering this asinine plan of action is because *he can't handle the fact that Magnus dated before him*. Now, I'm not a completely heartless person. Even though I didn't like his whining before, I could understand the relationship problems they were having before this. I got it. I really did. So you're a young, closeted teen who suddenly finds himself hot in the pants for an older guy. Then, after you knock boots around for a bit and are able to think again, you realize he's a lot older than you. You realize he's going to out live you. These are serious problems. Ones that probably should have been examined between them way before now, but it's his first relationship so I'm willing to give his some slack. But having hissy fits because your lover had someone before you? That's like a guy wanting to divorce his wife because he found out she didn't have her hymen on their honeymoon. And this stupid line of reasoning is ALL we get from them for one gazillion pages. It felt to me like Clare was writing them way that third graders handle sock puppets in school productions. They needed to be angry so they were, they needed to be sad so they were, every emotion was simply a vehicle to get them from point a to point b with little believable human interaction, motivation, or SENSE to guide them in between.

Eventually, like with most of Clare's story lines this ended up riding the boring train on the let down track to nowhere and ended with Magnus making the *only good choice any of the characters in the whole book have made in over 536 pages*. He dumps Alec.



At which point all I could think was "Yes Magnus. Run - run to freedom. Get the hell out of this book and your psychopathic ex.There's a sale at Anthropology you could be hitting right now."

After finishing this I felt tired. I felt like I had taken three steps back for every one forward. It's like the author has no idea what makes people actually tick, what believable human emotions and motivations look like. The whole story line for the only two characters I'm even able to have a lukewarm interest left me with a feeling akin to going to the bathroom after having waited a long time. In the end it only brought relief at having gotten it over with and the only lasting sensation I had upon conclusion was the need to wash my hands.

Over All Rating :




So terribly confused.


Save your pennies ya'll. It isn't even worth it.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where I was disappointed with 'City of Fallen Angels', 'City of Lost Souls' definitely made up for it! I'm glad that I didn't hang it up after the last book and kept pushing forward with the series. This fifth book was full of action and suspense.

This time around, Jace is under the influence of Sebastian, the guy we all love to hate. Clary is kind of along for the ride, hoping she can break through to Jace. Meanwhile, Sebastian just keeps getting creepier and creepier.

For the most part, Jace seems lost. He's kind of like Sebastian's "Stepford wife"/groupie. He seems entirely possessed with his adoration of all things Sebastian. It takes bromance to a whole new level.

However, being the diehard that she is, Clary refuses to give up on Jace. She focuses on the brief moments of clarity that he has in the midst of his mental enslavement. She knows that the real Jace is still in the shell that he is now.

Meanwhile, back at camp "good", Simon, Magnus, Alec and all of the others, work on a way to fire Jace. There is plenty of action taking place on that front as well. Simon seems to be patching up his romantic relationship, while Alec seems to be wreaking havoc in his.

I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that I enjoyed the time with Jace and Clary. Finally, they get to spend some time together...even if it isn't always the "real" Jace. It may have taken five books, but things finally heat up between the two.

Overall, this was another great book in the series. Things have definitely picked up and I'm mentally preparing for the good vs. evil showdown that is bound to happen in the final book. I'll be starting the sixth, and final, book immediately.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

1.) City of Bones ★★★
2.) City of Ashes ★★
3.) City of Glass ★★★
1.) Clockwork Angel ★★★
4.) City of Fallen Angels ★
2.) Clockwork Prince ★★★★

“But Heaven will not help you; you know that as well as I. That is why men summon demons and not angels, is it not?”

Yeah, this is easily my favorite book in The Mortal Instruments, so far. I think one of the biggest reasons I enjoyed City of Lost Souls so much was because it is told through so many of the side character’s point of view, some of which we have never seen before. Also, a vast majority is told through Simon’s perspective which is all I truly want anyways.

I also actually thought this book had good twists and turns, too. I was impressed so many times while reading, and I truly never wanted to put this 500+ page book down, which says something all on its own. Like, I see some reviews saying that this book was slow, but I didn’t feel like that at all. And like… did these people read the mess that is City of Fallen Angels? Lord, help me.

Okay, my review is going to touch on a couple key things that happened in this book and things that have happened in previous books, so please use caution reading the rest of this review if you have not read this book and its predecessors! And as always, I’m going to do a little mini character breakdown on my thoughts and feelings on all the main characters in this book.

➽ Jace - I still very much dislike Jace, but he was a bit more bearable in this book. Probably because he was barely in it, and when he was he was being halfway possessed or whatever.

➽ Clary - Clary was actually the one to annoy me in this book. Especially after reading about Tessa; Clary is just not that great of a character. And so many of the choices she made in this book were beyond questionable. I get that she loves Jace, but the world is a lot bigger than Jace Herondale, Lightwood, Morgenstern, Voldemort, what the fuck ever he wants to be called.

➽ Simon - Simon is my second favorite character in all things Shadowhunters, I think. I know he messed up big in City of Fallen Angels, and I will call him out for it all day long, but he really had a pure and sweet redemption arc in this, that I think was handled very healthily and very realistically. And my otp are living their best lives. Bless.

“Okay. I’ve got a good one.” Simon stroked Isabelle’s hair, feeling her lashes flutter against his neck as she closed her eyes. “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…”

➽ Isabelle - Here is the real tea: I think Izzy is my favorite character in this entire universe. Like, every book I fall more and more in love with her. And in City of Lost Souls, seeing her learn what it means to be vulnerable and that it is okay… friends, I have a lot of feelings. And seeing her finally take down her walls and give her heart away to someone who she deems as worthy? More beautiful than words.

➽ Magnus - I love this character so much. Him realizing his worth and value at the end of this book? It meant everything to me. I feel like Alec has constantly been treating him like shit, honestly. But he went way too far in this one, and I’m so happy that Magnus realized he didn’t deserve that kind of abuse. Even though I know they are totally going to get back together, let’s be real. But this time it will be on more equal ground. Oh, and I want to know everything about his father immediately!

➽ Alec - This is actually the first book that I didn’t hate or borderline hate Alec, which is funny because he almost did a hella bad thing in this book. But I think it’s because Cassie opened up the storylines and allowed us to see behind the eyes of some of the side characters in this book. And I think that very much benefitted Alec.

➽ Luke - I always and forever will love Luke and his unconditional love towards so many characters in this world. But…

➽ Jocelyn - Jocelyn was highkey annoying as hell in this book. Like, I get she’s upset that she birthed a demon or whatever, but hearing her talk about wishing to kill her baby in the crib and stuff really wasn’t enjoyable to read. And like, she always tries to be so strict, after just being so lenient. I don’t know, I just really didn’t like her in this book.

➽ Aline - I said in my review for City of Glass, “Is this a new queer and Asian character” because your girl was hyped. And then she comes into this book in a f/f relationship? The blessing. Wow. How perfect.

➽ Maia & Jordan - I will talk more about them below, but they were one of the things I disliked most about this book. Miss me with abuse apologist storylines forever, please.

“Of course, not thinking about the ex-boyfriend who had broken your heart and turned you into a werewolf was a lot easier when he wasn’t standing right in front of you, wearing a green shirt that hugged his leanly muscled body in all the right places and brought out the hazel color of his eyes.”

➽ Seelie Queen - Still one of my favorites, but Clary still playing with fire. I need so much more from her and her court.

“The Fair Folk are an old people; we do not make hasty decisions but first wait to see in what direction the wind blows.”

➽ Camille - I don’t believe it for a second.

➽ Maureen - But if true; damn, girl!

➽ Sebastian - Like, I honestly did like him as a character until he got all unnecessarily incestuous! But I love his motive, I love him coming back from the dead, and I loved this magical, moving apartment. Again, I think he’s a really strong villain who made me really think about his motives, until the end when shit just got gross.

“You know he doesn’t remember any of it, right? Did he show you a good time, at least? Because I would have.” She tasted bile in her throat. “You’re my brother.” “Those words don’t mean anything where we’re concerned. We aren’t human.”

Okay, I really didn’t want to write this paragraph, but I feel like I have to. The one thing that really bothered me about this book is Cassie Clare’s constant use of incest as a threat and/or just as a storyline. I thought finally, after City of Glass, we were past this, but now with Sebastian coming back, she just doubled-down on the incest. Even in Clockwork Prince I felt like the Tessa going undercover to trick Nate and pretend to be his lover and was gross and unnecessary. But City of Lost Souls is the worst use of incest “angst” yet. And I still feel really gross about the things that Clary did with Jace while Sebastian was in control or whatever. I mean, on top of the fact that he actually attempts to rape her, too. Friends, it’s a hot mess. A really gross, skeezy, uncomfortable hot mess.

“There are worse things than dying,” he said. “And I will do them all to you, little sister, once you’ve drunk from the Cup. And you will like it.”

The only other thing that really bothered me was actually the main reason I one starred City of Fallen Angels; Maia and Jordan are a romance I will never get behind. And in City of Lost Souls their relationship is really magnified. Abuse apologists’ storylines need to be canceled, and they are never okay; not in 2018 and not back in 2010. I’m not here for a Jordan redemption arc and I never will be. And this book really put the band-aid on everything Maia was forced to go through, but Jordan is “so hot” and looks “so good in tight shirts” how could she resist all that good sex from the hands of her abuser? And I felt like he even forced her into a relationship, since he refused to be her friend ONLY something more. Brb, throwing up forever.

“You won’t be my friend.” “I won’t be just your friend. I love you, Maia. I’m in love with you. I always have been. I always will be. Just being your friend would kill me.”

Overall (and besides those two things), I really enjoyed this book and I found it actually difficult to put down. I also believe that this is Cassandra Clare’s best written work yet. The style just felt so much more cohesive and the story felt so much more compelling. This was also the first book that felt like it had a lot of plot and intricate things happening constantly. And there were so many small nods at Clockwork Prince that warmed my heart so very much. Friends, this was really fun book to read, but I can’t wait to (probably, based on all your reactions) get my heart shattered with Clockwork Princess

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Content and trigger warnings for sexual content, incestuous storylines, assault, attempted rape, abandonment, abuse, parental abuse, murder, death, violence, gore, blood depiction, self-harm, and war themes.

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, you guys were right. This one was slightly better than book 4, so I'm expecting big and amazing things from book 6!

[Tharindu Dissanayake · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's over! It's finally over!!! Saying this had been a painfully boring reading experience is a massive understatement. From first three MI books, then to the ID trilogy, followed by Red Scrolls of Magic and back here to the second half of MI, is not something that I ever wanted to put myself through again, with the exception of Red Scrolls.

Honestly, I had very little expectations after City of Fallen Angels and only two things kept me going: to see how it'll all end and those fun parts with Isabelle and Simon. The overwhelming romance remained the main theme and the actual fantasy elements became quite minor. By the time I make it to the fifth book, I was skipping entire chapter that are only full of repetitive romance.

As I'm ending this sixth and last MI book, I suddenly realized how good Cassandra Clare's writing is (no sarcasm). It is very clear, highly readable and took almost no effort in maintaining a steady flow. It also must have been a reason for perpetuating me from one book to the other despite not enjoying all the love triangles and stuff.

Once again, I'm doing a common review for all three books as there's very little to separate them.

[Layla · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sick and tired of Clary and Jace.

[Soumi · Rating 5 out of 5]

By The Angel!

Do I actually need to review? Holy Hell! What am I gonna write?

“Kill me, little sister. Kill me and you kill Jace, too.”

Let’s start with the story, as it picks up, where City of fallen Angels left off, the resurrection of Sebastian. As he binds him to Jace, the two became irrecoverably inseparable, what one feels, the other feels the same, the pain, the joy everything. Jace the one Clary loves, and Sebastian the o ne she hates most, and now they are one. The clave wants to summon either of them, but killing Sebastian means, Jace will die, and Clary can’t let that happen. When Jace showed up, she follows him, determined to free him from Sebastian’s captivity.

As the story progress, Clary discovers Sebastian’s true motive behind his suddenly changed and extremely generous behavior, and his plan to bring down entire Clave along with each and every shadowhunter.

“I need Jace,” said Sebastian. “But in his heart, he’s not like me. But you are.”

Previously I hated Sebastian, but In CoLS, I actually felt kind of sorry for him, he was the mere victim of abuse and ruthless torture by the name of training. His entire psychopathic personally was build up on the way he was treated by his father Valentine, unloved and to be ruthless. I say Sebastian is the heart of CoLS. Without him, the whole story would have fallen flat, and Miss Clare did a brilliant job by bringing him back with more vengeance.

“I never cared,” he said. “I wanted you anyway. I always wanted you.”

Romantic elements were higher than any other books TMI series, also heart break, despair and desire. The book was both my solace and torment, as darkness and light were aligned together, casting the perfect shade. The story gradually gotten faster, page by page and at the ending the action was mesmerizing, as if I was visualizing the whole scene, breathlessly.

It will be very wrong to say CoLS is only focused on Jace, Clary and Sebastian, each and every character played very crucial part, especially Simon. Oh Gosh, I love this guy, he has grown into such understanding and responsible guy, his transformation is notable throughout the entire series. Also the on and off romance between Simon and Izzy took a whole new turn, I really appreciate how Cassandra Clare focused on Isabelle and Simon's relationship as well. As I mentioned earlier that the book has a lot more heart breaking, I referred to Alec and Magnus, such a lovely couple who let their relationship at a stake, which is entirely unacceptable.

The book has many labyrinthine mysteries, and suspense, that is killing the readers to get the next book, which won’t be coming out until 2014? However I can’t help but bring out the most conflicting topic of debate Brother Zachariah whether Brother Zachariah is Will or Jem.. I bet, if a chance is given to the fans of TMI series, they will fight over this topic for the entire day, without being tired. Here is my little opinion that’s completely personal.

His physical appearance is similar to Will with long and slender fingers and dark hair. He was also a shadowhunter before be came one of the silent brothers.
I have a strong feelings of Brother Zachariah being Jem. I think Will married to Tessa and from there all Herondale decedents come from, later Will died in some fight like shadowhunters do. But I think when Jem was dying silent brothers saved him by turning him into one of them cause he is the youngest one among them he can speak using mouth. His silvery hair may be turned back into black after being saved and stopped using demon powder.

Brother Zachariah has no children But Jem has decedents cause we will be seeing Emma Carstairs in The Dark Artifacts or may be Emma came from other Carstairs line, not Jem. Any that's not Will for sure cause Jace is Will's decendent, not any other Herondale's.

“I know about parabatai,” said Magnus, an angry, dark undercurrent to his voice. “I’ve known parabatai so close they were almost the same person; do you know what happens, when one of them dies, to the one that’s left —?”

Magnus also mentioned he knows what happened when one of the parabati dies. That means in Clockwork Princess one of the boys probably gonna die.

Being a Silent Brother is life, Clary Fray. But if you mean I remember my life before the Brotherhood, I do.
Clary took a deep breath. “Were you ever in love? Before the Brotherhood? Was there ever anyone you would have died for?”
There was a long silence. Then:
Two people, said Brother Zachariah. There are memories that time does not erase, Clarissa. Ask your friend Magnus Bane, if you do not
believe me. Forever does not make loss forgettable, only bearable.

Jem can die for both Tessa and Will, and Will can for Tessa and Jem. So Brother Zachariah is sure one of the boys from ID and who ever it is has no chance on being with Tessa cause silent brothers can not be romantically engaged.

All of the above are just assumptions, Best way to find out by throwing Brother Zachariah in pond full of ducks, if he runs sure he is Will, if he doesn't he is Jem.The Herondales have a bad thing for Ducks

[Emelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update 12-05-21, finished reading: Wow. Absolutely 'wow'. Spectacular. City of Heavenly Fire, I'm coming for you...

[Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten)]

*sobs* May!?!? 2012?!? May 2012?!?
*sobs some more* This cannot be! Really! It's like....too long! Too, too long!
I NEEEEEEEEEEED THIS BOOK! How can Cassandra Clare do this to me--ahh, I mean us! I need this book, like yesterday!

I don't know how I'm going to wait this long!

*sobs, wails, bawls some more.....*

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mortal Instruments book No. 5: Jace has gone missing and when heh turns up Clary and the entire Shadowhunter and Downworlder reality is under threat! Stoic brother and sister Alec and Isabelle are playing with fire in their love lives. And what to do about Maureen and Jordan? On top of all this Simon maybe indestructible but at some point, he will have to tell his family about his condition.

Similar to the other books in the series, an intriguing constructed reality filled with multiple interesting story arcs, marred by the book being so deeply tied to the romantic liaisons; still a worthwhile read though :-) …and I definitely want to find out how it all ends! I should also point out that this book has some pretty dark themes around how someone completely truly evil would behave. Three Star, 7 out of 12

2023 and 2017 read

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I could have won the lottery for every time I wanted to smack people in this book, I would have an infinite amount of money right now. But, I digress.



Welcome to the world of magic and twats. Just kidding :-D I love all of the characters even though I want to smack them at times.

I don't care what anyone thinks but I don't think that Simon and Isabelle should be a couple. I know it has the whole, let's everyone in the group be with someone vibe going, but I just don't see them as a couple. Can't anyone just be single?

Magnus Bane is the coolest one of all and that's just a fact.



And can people and things just quit coming after Jace! I mean for shite's sake, we just got out of one mess with him and into another one. He's not himself in this book for reasons. Clary's good ole brother Sebastian is back and buddies with Jace. It's so not a good thing. Clary gets sucked into their world and all kinds of crazy stuff is going down with them.

I really love Jordan and Maia, that's all I have to say about them. They are both good people and werewolves.

There are several bad to the bone moments that I loved! From angels to demons and a crazy vampire kid on a rampage. Although one thing she did, classic! Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!

Alec made me mad at what he wanted to do to Magnus. I thought, "dude are you for real?"

So, I wonder what the scooby gang is going to go through in the final book. I dread things that might be coming!

MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Two sides of Jace



*Spoilers*

This one was much better than the last one. Lots of action. Jace and Clary still can't catch a break. Really the span of the whole series they are apart pining for each other with like a few weeks here and there that they can actually be together. Teenage angst at it's highest. I really wish she would have let them be together a little more in this series. I understand it's a ya series but if you want them to be this awesome powerfully connected couple that you just can't forget then they actually have to be a couple for a little bit of time. Just sayin'! I think they were together more in this book then in the last 4 but it was still tainted since Jace wasn't really Jace. I was glad that Clary started to finally kick some ass. She has been pretty wimpy standing around while everyone fights and gets hurt in the last 4 books. This one she was trained and kicking ass with the best of em. Loved Simon even more in this book. He is such a great guy and brave. I just wish him and Izzy would get together they have such a strong connection. I was so glad Simon's sister didn't turn her back on him like his mother. I was so disappointed in Alec. I don't know what the hell was going through his mind in this book but he was way over the line. I don't blame Magnus at all for ending things with him. Although that break up scene was so heartbreaking.



I don't really know how I feel about Maia and Jordon. Jordon I think is great and Maia too but I don't really feel it with them together Idk. Sebastian was gross, creepy and evil all in the same breath. Jocelyn truly gets on my nerves. She is the most unsupportive mom ever. I get so mad that she doesn't like Jace she doesn't even give him a chance. No wonder Clary runs off and does shit herself her mom is an over the top bitch that lies, treats her like she is 2 and doesn't like the love of Clary's life. Poor Luke, losing his sister getting stabbed and almost dying. I'm really liking Brother Zachariah, but I wonder why he seems to want to help Jace so much. Is there some connection there? Was it just me or was everyone else happy to see Magnus's ex Camille bit it too! I'm on to the last one and I can't wait to see how things end!

[Saniya]

FUCK. GOD DAMN AMAZING TRAILER! I can't, I just can't breathe right now. O.O <3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_FUJU...
"And I am going to burn down the world."
*Crying* My Man, my man. :'D


Scrolling down as usual on facebook. Lalala, nothing interesting.
*Cover passes*
lalal -Dramatic pause- "WTH? Did I jus-" *Scrolls up!*



"OMG OMG OMG" The cover! xD <3
(LOL! I just love the man in the pic)

Ok. Maybe, just maybe I was expecting Magnus or Alec... but this rocks too! GOD! They look so awesome! <3
Now please kindly give me the book before I go insane. Need to OWN! O_O

[James Trevino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much, much better than City of Fallen Angels. But again, it takes a while until things get going. The final chapters are great, but the middle part of the book... ugh, man, oh, man. Basically the reason why this is a 4/5 and not less is because of the ending and the chapters involving Simon.

The whole Maia/Jordan thing though was so boring and endless. It read like filler and it felt like filler. The book could also do without Clary dramatizing about every single detail in her life in every freaking scene. It's one of those cases when, in a book, side characters actually have a more interesting story than the main ones (Simon, Alec).

That being said, City of Fallen Angels reminded me of City of Glass (and that is good considering CoG is still far and away the best in the series), even though it could have been cut in half and not lose anything of importance.

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 5 out of 5]

#1 City of Bones ★★★★☆
#2 City of Ashes ★★★☆☆
#3 City of Glass ★★★★☆
#4 City of Fallen Angels ★★★★★
#5 City of Lost Souls ★★★★★
#6 City of Heavenly Fire

I’ve loved this series since the first book, but what really stood out to me in this fifth book is how much darker the tone suddenly got. It’s not just the events that happened in the book, but the world itself feels much bleaker and there’s a slow-building sense of dread, which makes sense, as our little team begins to prepare themselves for a war unlike anything they’ve seen so far.

“There are some people — people the universe seems to have singled out for special destinies. Special favors and special torments. God knows we’re all drawn toward what’s beautiful and broken; I have been, but some people cannot be fixed. Or if they can be, it’s only by love and sacrifice so great it destroys the giver.”

Even among characters who usually take on every scenario with a smile, there’s this anxiety building up, this urgent tension that bleeds right off the pages. If nothing else, it‘s a terrific example of how far Cassandra Clare’s writing has progressed. Everything is more authentic and three-dimensional, the stakes are getting higher with each misstep and twist, and it’s just… fantastic. I think this may have been my favorite book in the series so far, and I could barely stand to put it down.

“How was the Seelie Queen?”
“Same as usual.”
“Raging bitch, then?”
“Pretty much.”

It wouldn’t be a Shadowhunters book without some absolutely adorable character moments, banter for days, and loads of development in personalities, though. Simon and Izzy, both having been characters I did not like at all in the first two books, had me 100% in love with both of them by this end of this one. Simon has come into his own so well as the Daylighter—as this protective, self-sacrificing, noble little hero—and Izzy is so tough, such a rock for her loved ones. There’s a scene where Izzy is described as “a mother cub defending her young”, and that perfectly sums up how I view her relationship with her loved ones.

“Speaking of hope, did you see that shot Alec got off with his bow? That's my boyfriend.”

Of course, I can’t review this one without discussing Alec and Magnus. Some of the incidents between these two—especially involving Alec—broke my heart over and over. I know it’s hard to be in Alec’s position, but Magnus is forevermore my sweet little bisexual warlock baby, and I wanted to climb into the book and slap the shit out of Alec a few times. Either way, I think this was the most time we’ve gotten to spend with Magnus in any book in the series so far, and I was here for it, okay?

“I don’t care. He’d do it for me. Tell me he wouldn’t. If I were missing—”
“He’d burn the whole world down till he could dig you out of the ashes.”

Finally… Clary and Jace. Where do I even begin? My heart hurts for them. Everything in the world has conspired against their happiness, yet still they fight for each other, and it’s so precious. Before I started this series, if you had told me they would become one of my all-time favorite OTPs, I would have laughed in disbelief, but here we are. I love the romances that Cassandra Clare builds, and the agonizingly slow, angsty progression between Clary and Jace has to be my favorite.

She turned and looked at him. “Ducks?”
A smile tugged the edge of his mouth. “I hate ducks. Don’t know why. I just always have.”

Jace has grown so much from his self-obsessed little asshole self (though let’s be real, I loved him then, too), and Clary has become this powerhouse of a character. It describes her perfectly when the other Shadowhunters say that Clary essentially charges into any given situation, regardless of risk, and finds a way to fight through it. She never lets anyone tell her “no”, and she always mucks things up a bit along the way, but she always makes it right by the end. She’s a tremendously unlikely heroine, and I love her for it.

“Kill me, little sister.”

The last thing I wanted to touch on is Sebastian, and his entire arc as a villain. Based on the actions of Valentine in the first few books, I suppose I expected Sebastian to feel predictable-but-fun in the same way, but honestly, he’s so much more complex and mentally broken than his father was. While I can appreciate the writing of his character, I can’t fathom why so many people seem to root for him; but either way, one thing I’m sure of is that I positively dread seeing what he comes up with next.

Content warnings for attempted rape, homophobia, and slut-shaming (all challenged).

You can find this review and more on my blog, or you can follow me on twitter, bookstagram, or facebook!

[Pearl Angeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassandra Clare did a wonderful job once again!

City of Lost Souls, the fifth book of The Mortal Instruments series, picks up where City of Fallen Angels left off. I don't want to give anything away by describing the things that have happened here, but the series already becomes more and more interesting. This sequel is actually a much better response compared to the City of Fallen Angels because all the events here were pretty much powerful and more remarkable.

I love how it started off as a bang!, eventually giving a slow-burn feels when the Shadowhunters were trying to figure out how they can come up with a solution to the dilemma, and ending up with a great and action-packed resolve. Although all throughout the book I must admit that I was really getting frustrated especially because of how badly things were turning for Jace. I mean, c'mon, why does Cassandra Clare keep torturing Jace and making him suffer all the time? It's fricking unfair!

The best part of this book is SIMON. My boy always saves the day! He played a great part here and I think this is the book where he really shines best! When it comes to Clary, her character improved here (although I prefer her character development in City of Glass) but still, I like how bold she was here and how she resorted to critical-thinking. Alec and Magnus' relationship here was tested big time and I don't know what to feel about what happened to them here. As for Isabelle, once again this chick astounded me. As usual, she's a fierce, in-your-face character and that's what I loved about her! Maia and Jordan's relationship was also highlighted here. I love the sweet reunion! And of course, Sebastian . Blimey, I am not usually a fan of villains but it's so ironic how I fangirled over a bad guy all throughout the book!

The action scenes were great and although it happened at the final chapters, they still didn't fail to bring out the adrenaline rush. The ending, on the other hand, was a blast and was well-executed. It had a surprise factor that will leave you wanting for more. All in all, it was a great come back. Cassandra Clare writes beautifully, but then I have always thought so! This book is really a world I could get lost in!




Rating:

[Anniebananie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 Sterne ⭐️

Na wenn das mal keine positive Überraschung war 😱
Für mich das beste Buch der Reihe, was vor allem daran liegt, dass Clary hier mal nicht als hirnamputierte Hohlfrucht auftritt. Ich konnte ihre Handlungen diesmal grö��tenteils wirklich nachvollziehen.
Auch unseren "neuen" Bösewicht/Gegenspieler mag ich lieber als Valentin aus den früheren Bänden. 👌🏻
Es gab auch wieder viele tolle Malec-Momente obwohl ich ja vor allem Magnus und seinen Humor sehr in Cassie's Büchern zu schätzen weiß.
Sogar an Handlung hat es m.E. hier mal nicht gemangelt was auch an den vielen POVs liegt. Ich bin mittlerweile auch echt ein Fan von Jordan und Maia und naja Jocelyn hasse ich auch nach Band 5 noch 🤷🏼‍♀️
Und im Epilog sind ja noch so manch erschreckende Sachen passiert, dass ich wirklich von mir behaupten kann, dass ich mich auf das große Finale freue 😅

[Bgurl (don't h8 me cuz I'm honestful) · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOP 5 SNARKIEST MOMENTS IN City of Lost Souls.



In my review of City of Fallen Angels (TMI #4), I listed The Top 5 Angsty Issues. Now it’s time to rank my favorite part of the TMI series: The Snark. So, let’s get to it, shall we? Listed below, are the Top 5 Snarkiest Moments in City of Lost Souls (TMI #5), from least to most snarktastic. Enjoy!

#5. What Do Werewolves & Frat Boys Have In Common?

A lot, actually! As the posting at The Praetor House dormitories proves.

“PRAETOR HOUSE RULES

No shape-shifting in the hallways.
No howling.
No silver.
Clothes must be worn at all times. ALL TIMES.
No fighting. No biting.
Mark all your food before you put it in the communal refrigerator.”



PARTY POOPERS!

#4. What’s The Difference Between Sane & Insane?

According to Sebastian: "Two weeks."

Jace: “Clary has a right to know our plans. I don’t like keeping her in the dark.”
Sebastian: “We’ll tell her in a week. What difference does a week make?”
Jace: “Two weeks ago you were dead.”
Sebastian: “Well, I wasn’t suggesting two weeks. That would be insane.”



CUZ I DON’T WANT THE REAL ANSWER TO BE “A SHIRT”.

#3. What Kind Of Advice Do Warlocks Give?

Let's see...

Simon: “I’ve got the Mark of Cain. That means nothing can kill me, right?”
Magnus: “You can kill yourself. Inanimate objects can accidentally kill you. So if you were planning on teaching yourself the Lambada on a greased platform over a pit full of knives, I wouldn’t.”
Simon: “There goes my Saturday.”



YUP!

#2. Is Snark A Deadly Sin?

Jace doesn’t think so.

Jace: “I’m trying to remember all the deadly sins. Greed, envy, gluttony, irony, pedantry…”
Clary: “I’m pretty sure irony isn’t a deadly sin.”
Jace: “I’m pretty sure it is.”
Clary: “Lust is a deadly sin.”
Jace: “And spanking.”
Clary: “I think that falls under lust.”
Jace: “It has its own category. Greed, envy, gluttony, irony, pedantry, lust, and spanking.”



ESPECIALLY THE PART ABOUT JACE SPANKING…

#1. Are Magnus & Alec One Of “THOSE” Couples?

You know… “THOSE” couples we make up catchy monikers for?

Isabelle: “You smell like sandalwood.”
Alec: “We like sandalwood.”
Isabelle: “Either that’s the royal ‘we’ or you and Magnus are turning into one of those couples that think they’re one person. ‘We like sandalwood.’ ‘We adore the symphony.’ ‘We hope you enjoy our Christmas present’—which, if you ask me, is just a cheap way of avoiding having to buy two gifts.”



WE SHOULD!

BOTTOM LINE: City of Lost Souls is so chock-full-o-snark, this list could have been a hell of a lot longer. So, if there’s a snarktastic quote you’d like to add, please do so in the comments section. Then, check out my review of City of Heavenly Fire (TMI #6), where I rank TMI’s swooniest couples.

City of Lost Souls (TMI #5), by Cassandra Clare: 5 “Snarktastic” Stars.

For information about my rating system, see my profile page.

City of Fallen Angels (TMI #4): Click Me Baby!
City of Heavenly Fire (TMI #6): Coming Soon

[megs_bookrack · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5-stars rounded up**

City of Lost Souls is the 5th-installment of Cassie Clare's Mortal Instruments series. With that fact in mind, please note that some minor spoilers may lay ahead in this review.

I actually have no idea what I am going to write yet, but just understand, it's a possibility.



It's been a minute since I have picked up any Shadowhunter books. I actually finished Clockwork Prince in February and had planned to continue my journey right away, however, I got distracted. New releases. You know how it is.

Luckily, Shadowhunter characters are like old friends. No matter how long you've been apart, once reunited, it's like no time has passed at all.



In this installment, the main narrative revolves around the fact that the demon Lilith's magic has bound Jace to Clary's psychotic brother, Sebastian, who has full control in their newly formed relationship.

Meanwhile, the clave is still on the hunt for Sebastian, but there is no way he can be taken out without killing Jace as well. So, yeah, it's a sticky situation.



As bleak as it sounds, Clary refuses to give up on Jace. She must figure out how to get him back, no matter the risk.

Clary isn't the only one determined to save Jace, although she may be willing to go the furthest in order to do so. Alec, Simon, Magnus and Isabelle are also scrambling, trying to find a way to break the bond of Lilith's magic.



As Clary and Jace are reunited, it's clear, he's not the same boy she fell in love with, but can she trust this new Jace? Is he still worth risking her life for?

I will admit, my interest in this installment fluctuated throughout. Jace and Clary's relationship isn't my favorite and was a big focus in this one, obviously. With this being said, Clare definitely pulled it off in the end.



I love how Clare continues to build out this world. It's really quite impressive. I'm super excited to finally be able to pick up Clockwork Princess next.

I think for me, I enjoy the The Infernal Devices just a bit more than this series, so I tend to kind of breeze through these ones in order the be able to return to Victorian London.



I'm still enjoying this series a lot, don't get me wrong. It is a solid series, complex and fast-paced. The way this one leaves off, I am super excited to see what happens in City of Heavenly Fire.

Also, just as a side note, I was incredibly happy to get a bit more Magnus Bane in this one; quickly becoming my favorite character.

[Luciana Gomez Mauro · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Si no puedo convencer al cielo, moveré los infiernos”
Increíble.

Definitivamente uno de los mejores de la saga. Me mantuvo nerviosa todo el tiempo, más en la batalla final.
Fue magnífico. Clary se superó, se merece todos mis aplausos, al igual que Simón, que lo amo. Amo la amistad de estos dos.
Clary, Magnus, Alec, Jace, Isabelle,Simón. Todos se superaron y los amo a todos.
Amo al Malec, disfruto leerlos en todos los libros, y me dolió este final de ellos. Aunque era de esperar, yo hubiese actuado igual que Magnus, aunque si me dolió que haya Sido tan directo. Amé la escena de Clary y Jace en la fiesta, estos dos merecen su noche desde hace rato. Casandra dejalos de hacer sufrir, más que nadie ellos dos merecen ser felices.

El collar de forma de angel de Tessa está en la biblioteca del instituto, y también aparece el libro de "Historia de dos Ciudades" de Charles Dickens, está la edición que era de Will. AMÉ esas referencias a los orígenes, estoy tan ansiosa por leer Princesa Mecánica. Además me compre el libro de Dickens por Will y Tessa, tanto amaban ese libro que me lo proyectaron a mí a todo su amor.

Reí, llore, me quedé con la boca abierta como 12 veces antes cada situación. Me quedaba paralizada.
No hay más palabras, el final me impacto muchísimo más. Y esa frase con ese mensaje. Ya está. (Wow)
Sigo amando a Jace como siempre. Y no quiero terminar esta saga, por qué de verdad, es estupenda.
De lo mejor que he leído este año, sin dudarlo.

Orden de lectura:
-Ciudad de hueso (Instrumentos Mortales) (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
-Ciudad de ceniza (Instrumentos Mortales)(⭐⭐⭐⭐)
-Ciudad de Cristal (Instrumentos Mortales) (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
-La historia de Jocelyn (Instrumentos Mortales) (⭐⭐⭐)
-Ángel Mecánico (Los Orígenes) (⭐⭐⭐)
-Ciudad de los Ángeles Caídos (Instrumentos Mortales)
(🌟🌟🌟🌟)
-Príncipe Mecánico (Los Orígenes) (🌟🌟🌟🌟)
-Ciudad de las Almas Perdidas (Instrumentos Mortales) (🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟)
-Princesa Mecánica (Los Orígenes)
-Ciudad del Fuego Celestial (Instrumentos Mortales)
-Despues del puente (Instrumentos Mortales)
-Las Crónicas de Magnus Bane (Instrumentos Mortales)

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I can even write a review for this just yet.

Oh my God. SO MANY FUCKING FEELS, I CAN'T EVEN.

PAGE 510-11. KILL. ME.

Lord, help me get through this 2-year wait for Heavenly Fire.

[April (Aprilius Maximus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

1.) City of Bones ★★★★
2.) City of Ashes ★★★★
3.) City of Glass ★★★★
4.) City of Fallen Angels ★★★
5.) City of Lost Souls ★★★.5
6.) City of Heavenly Fire ★★★★

1.) Clockwork Angel ★★★★★
2.) Clockwork Prince ★★★★★
3.) Clockwork Princess ★★★★★

1.) Lady Midnight [TBA]
2.) Lord of Shadows [TBA]
3.) Queen of Air and Darkness [TBA]

1.) The Red Scrolls of Magic ★★★★.5

1.) Chain of Gold ★★★★★

*.) The Bane Chronicles ★★★★
*.) Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy [TBA]
*.) Ghosts of the Shadow Market ★★★★

-----------------------------------------------

★★★.5

some spoilery thoughts:

- 2 stars for the plot, 4.5 stars for the characters (particularly simon and magnus - wow we stan comedic geniuses)
- 5 STARS FOR CHURCH AND CHAIRMAN MEOW
- 5 stars for aline and helen!!!! we stan a power couple!!
- the friendships in this book!!! simon & clary, simon & maia, clary & izzy <3 <3 <3
- the way simon's mum reacts to him being a vampire :(((((( but the way his sister still loves him???? ow, my heart
- wow @ jocelyn being the worst mum ever
- the fact that simon refers to himself as being as sexually threatening as a goldfish... felt like that needed noting lol
- i hate jordan and maia's relationship ewwwww makes me wanna scream
- SIMON AND IZZY UWU
- I HATE HOW HOMOPHOBIC THE CLAVE (and ROBERT FUCKING LIGHTWOOD) IS.... WHY U SUCK SO MUCH?
- how sebastian straight up wants to bang clary brb, i'm gonna puke
- I DIDN'T KNOW ALEC'S MIDDLE NAME IS GIDEON AND NOW I'M CRYING
- malec's breakup... ow it hurts

Fave quotes:

"For as is often the happenstance with that which is precious and lost, when you find him again, he may well not be quite as you left him." - pg. 38

"Grief makes you feel alone, but you're not." - pg. 48

"There are some people- people the universe seems to have singled out for special destinies. Special favours and special torments. God knows we're drawn toward what's beautiful and broken; I have been, but some people cannot be fixed. Or if they can be, it's only by love and sacrifice so great that it destroys the giver." - pg. 151-152

"To love as you choose, that takes strength." - pg. 152

"It's not so easy to doubt the things you've grown up believing." - pg. 344

"Forever does not make loss forgettable, only bearable." - pg. 517

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

NO PUEDO MÁS. QUIERO LEER EL SEXTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

[Angelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven't read the letter, here it is:

To my son,

If you are reading this letter, then I am dead.
I expect to die, if not today, then soon. I expect that Valentine will kill me. For all his talk of loving me, for all his desire for a right-hand man, he knows that I have doubts. And he is a man who cannot abide doubt.

I do not know how you will be brought up. I do not know what they will tell you about me. I do not even know who will give you this letter. I entrust it to Amatis, but I cannot see what the future holds. All I know is that this is my chance to give you an accounting of a man you may well hate.

There are three things you must know about me. The first is that I have been a coward. Throughout my life I have made the wrong decisions, because they were easy, because they were self-serving, because I was afraid.

At first I believed in Valentine’s cause. I turned from my family and to the Circle because I fancied myself better than Downworlders and the Clave and my suffocating parents. My anger against them was a tool Valentine bent to his will as he bent and changed so many of us. When he drove Lucian away I did not question it but gladly took his place for my own. When he demanded I leave Amatis, the woman I love, and marry Celine, a girl I did not know, I did as he asked, to my everlasting shame.

I cannot imagine what you might be thinking now, knowing that the girl I speak of was your mother. The second thing you must know is this. Do not blame Celine for any of this, whatever you do. It was not her fault, but mine. Your mother was an innocent from a family that brutalized her. She wanted only kindess, to feel safe and loved. And though my heart had been given already, I loved her, in my fashion, just as in my heart, I was faithful to Amatis. Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae. I wonder if you love Latin as I do, and poetry. I wonder who has taught you.

The third and hardest thing you must know is that I was prepared to hate you. The son of myslef and the child-bride I barely knew, you seemed to be the culmination of all the wrong decisions I had made, all the small compromises that led to my dissolution. Yet as you grew inside my mind, as you grew in the world, a blameless innocent, I began to realize that I did not hate you. It is the nature of parents to see their own image in their children, and it was myself I hated, not you.

For there is only one thing I want from you, my son — one thing from you, and of you. I want you to be a better man than I was. Let no one else tell you who you are or should be. Love where you wish to. Believe as you wish to. Take freedom as your right.
I don’t ask that you save the world, my boy, my child, the only child I will ever have. I ask only that you be happy.

Stephen

[Emma Giordano · Rating 5 out of 5]

hi i've obviously read this book a million times but i'm just adding it to my "read" for this year

[Bangadybangz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow I finished this a while ago! Guess I forgot to share my thoughts...

Um... It was good? Lol
Not my favorite of the series, but I've heard CoHF is amazing, so I'm pumped to read that soon! :D