Sonia’s Comments (group member since Mar 02, 2015)

Sonia’s comments from the The Mortal Read-Along! group.

I think I liked starting this book more than I did finishing it. Mostly because things felt dragged out (imo) especially the revelation that Clary and Jace weren't siblings. I don't mind that it took until the third book to find out, but just when they were about to find out either someone dies or someone ran their mouth so that person couldn't clue them in. The inquisitor tried to tell Jace and he cut her off (then she died). Hodge tried to say why he wasn't sure, but people wouldn't let him explain and then he died. Clary's mom essentially comes back from the dead, the first thing Clary asks is "Why didn't you tell me I had a brother?" and does she give her mother a chance to explain? No she rants on, storms off, and her mom barely gets a word in edge wise let alone a chance to explain herself. I was doubtful that Jace and Clary were related since book 1, but it was never confirmed till Jocelyn's tale. Still it was teased and heavily hinted throughout the books! I can understand why... Clare wanted to her readers to ship Jace and Clary and give hope that they weren't related, but I personally got tired of it being teased. By the time it was revealed, it wasn't a big deal to me.

I also found Clary incredibly annoying throughout the entire book...

On the bright side this book was definitely my favorite so far. It was nice to learn more about the Clave and Idris as well as get some real answers to questions that have lingered from previous books. A lot of the characters seem to grow in this book Simon especially. He started as this sort of lost puppy that just followed and clinged to Clary. Now he's an awesome, cool and collected vampire that has two chicks after him (talk about "forbidden" love).

Since this was the original ending for the Mortal Instruments series and it was a pretty good one, but I could definitely see how it could continue.

Well that was eventful. So much happened. Max dying was sad, but in all honesty I felt more sad for Isabel, Alec, and Jace than I did that Max was gone. He was a cute kid, but as a character I didn't really feel that attached to him. :/

In this section my suspicion that Jace and Clary aren't siblings grew. This is the second time someone has tried to attempt (with their dying breath of course) that Jace isn't...! And they're dead. My guess is that Jace isn't Valentine's son. Maybe this is wishful/biased thinking because I want to ship Clary and Jace, but the more I read the more I doubt that they're siblings. Also just the fact that Jace is supposedly "a monster" stumps me. It just doesn't make sense. He isn't a monster. Sure he goes through depression and self mutilation, but he isn't demonic or evil. I doubt Jocelyn would see Jace, shun him and call him a monster as of now.

Another thing I kind of noticed was that Simon seemingly has two love interests? He's clearly interested in Isabel (and this time he isn't just trying to make Clary jealous) which is noted especially while he's in prison. At the same time though, Maia seems to be a love interest. They clearly had a connection and they went on a date or something didn't they? After watching the liveshow I kind of began to realize how... unnecessary her character seems to be? Her only purpose seems to be so that a) we have a random werewolf character that's around the main casts age and b) Simon has a girl to talk/relate to and possible love interest?

Oh! And Sebastian. I'm kind of disappointed how quickly his dark side showed and that he's so quick to anger. I think I would of been happier if their weren't such blatant "hints" that he would be another antagonist. Like if he pulled this perfect prince act all the way till killing Hodge? That would of been perfect for me. I mean I liked that Clary had a gut feeling he was bad news, but she didn't even need a gut feeling. The guy had spurts of anger, said mean things, and physically hurt her. I still really like his character. I can't wait to see what else he has in store for the group >:)

Immediately this book became my favorite out of the ones I've read so far. Not only are the characters more interesting, but so is the plot. It was especially nice to finally visit Idris and learn more about the Shadowhunters and where they come from.

I am, however, getting fairly annoyed with Clary. I think it's great that she wants to go save her mother and do whatever it takes, but at the same time she's so brash and thoughtless. She basically has tunnel vision and doesn't think about the consequences of her actions. She doesn't even think about them really. She says she didn't ask Luke to come with her, but did she really think he'd just sit there and let her do something dangerous? Didn't they warn her that you can't just enter the City of Glass without permission? To be fair the book would be a lot less interesting if Clary wasn't so careless, but I still can't help getting annoyed with her.

Also Sebastian is definitely my favorite character out of the whole series so far. I love how smooth he is and how he manages to bother Jace with such little effort. I can't help, but feel that there's more to this character? He's kind of suspicious because he's just too... perfect?

I only just finished City of Ashes like yesterday or two days ago >_> That fight scene on the boat? Oh. My. Gosh. I wish I could watch that because it was awesome!! While reading I couldn't help, but think "If Shadowhunters goes well, how the heck are they going to get such bloody scenes on ABC family?" They'll probably tone down the blood? I dunno. It would still be epic.

I also teared up a bit when Maryse told Jace she did sing to him and then he unloaded his bag. I thought I wasn't going to like her character at first, but after Luke talked about her I knew she wasn't that simple.

I think I liked this book better than the first. It had a better beginning and ending in my opinion.

Something I just realized was that the pacing in Cassandra Clare's books is intense. Sooooo much happens and yet it never really feels rushed. This was mentioned in the live show and I can't believe all of these books take place over the course of a few months. >___< I mean I guess it helps give that feeling of these characters not really being able to get a break, but still. It's intense.

My favorite parts were probably the Seelie Court and Simon turning into a Vampire. I also enjoyed reading Clary and Jace talk to each other about their "situation."

I enjoyed yet couldn't help but from cringing at Clary and Jace's kiss. I feel like that scene was well written, but the idea of them kissing so passionately in front of people while identifying as siblings was like "Oh my gosh! You guys!! Calm down!! You have an audience and one of them is your boyfriend DX" It makes me doubt they're siblings. I highly doubt that Clare is going to push an incestual relationship. Clary also mentioned how they look nothing alike and so far all we have is Valentine's word? And we should trust him because he's brimming with honesty. I dunno. I just really don't want them to be related lol.

As for Simon I had a feeling he was going to be a vampire! I'm looking forward to how he'll play in the rest of the series. He's no longer a "mundane" and can seriously pack a punch now. He wasn't unless before, but I think now he can have a bigger role and be taken more seriously amongst the shadow hunter crew.

Hate. Hate. Haaaaaaaaaaaate Simon and Clary. Dear God. A pet peeve of mind is best friend relationships. They annoy the crap out of me. Simon and Clary just seem so bad for each other. Clary clearly isn't interested in Simon. She defines him as "comfortable" so basically she's settling because she just lost her preferred option (Jace). Compare how she reacted romantically to Jace and how she reacts romantically to Simon and you almost feel sad for Simon. Clary forgets about him so easily. I'd be so sad if my best friend easily forgot about me. I also don't like Simon because of how he goes about this relationship. He just suddenly claims she's his girlfriend, is clingy, and gets jealous easily (understandable, but it's still annoying!!). It's clear that they're badly written for each other and I'd argue this is done on purpose. You see the way Simon acts around Maia and they seem like a better couple than Simon and Clary. So yeah. Break them up already and get Maia and Simon together.

Anyway, so far I like the beginning of this book more than the intro to City of Bones. I found myself very interested from the beginning to find out what happens next compared to the first book where I didn't get interested till what I believe was a few chapters in.

I can see why some people like this book less than the first though. It seems like Jace is a lot of people's favorite character and so far he hasn't been the greatest, but I still enjoy reading the scenes he's in. The bar scene not as much, but the Silent City was interesting. Also I miss the whole gang being together. Right now everyone is kinda separated.

Luke is still my favorite character. I like how he immediately recognized what Jace was doing at the bar and how he's a father figure to Clary again. He's got a good head on his shoulders where as a lot of the other characters seem to be chasing after theirs. He isn't perfect and I feel like he's going to lose his marbles too, but I dunno I really like him. Jace is a close second. I feel like I'm going to like Jace a lot more as the series progresses since his character is still developing.

I finished the book a few days ago and I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. I was definitely interested in finishing the book, but I wasn't compelled to read the next book asap (like I have with some other series I really enjoyed). If I was in middle school, or even high school, I think I would of liked this book/series a lot more. I probably will continue the series though and finish one book per month for the read along.

I guess I'll start with what I disliked... .__.;
(view spoiler)[Clary got annoying and annoying fast. She goes from this girl that never used weapon, thought of using a weapon, or killed (other than maybe a bug) to straight up wanting to kill Valentine who turns out to be her dad. I get why. The dude is bad news to say the least. However, considering how against killing another human being (or one that looked like one) she was in the beginning, the fact that this is her father, and the whole point of this adventure was to save her mother, I can't help, but feel this is a slight erratic change of character (despite I the fact she's probably gotten somewhat used to blood, death, and killing since meeting the Shadow Hunters). I mean, for me, my first thought would be to save my mom. Valentine might know why she hasn't woken up or has purposely kept her unconscious through a potion/spell. Maybe he knows a way to wake her up and I can fish the information out of him. It's a long shot, but for my mom I'd at least take a chance.

Another instance I was annoyed with Clary was how she was so angry at Luke, claiming he abandoned her and her mother. This is an understandable claim based off what he said, but does she bother to question why he said it? Or why people in general have lied to her? I didn't believe for a moment Luke wanted nothing to do with her. I assumed he was trying to protect her. Like whatever went for her mom was on his tail and he didn't want her in the crossfire. When he said he didn't care about Jocelyn, I assumed he said that just so the people didn't fish for more information. If I'm trying to rescue someone, the last people I'd want to know are that person's capturers. I guess it's easy to say this as a reader and maybe if I was in Clary's shoes I would of reacted similarly, but I got so annoyed reading, as Hodge would put it, "the moral absolution of youth" or something like that. Black and white.

I also disliked how easily swayed Jace was about Valentine being his father. I mean I'd understand if the character was naive, gullible, or impressionable, but Jace never seemed like that kinda guy. If he began to doubt his father was actually killed that's one thing, but to full on believe it so quickly and then that Valentine is his dad on top of it? Hold your horses... What happened to the know it all, pretentious, clever, charming, fighter blah blah guy I've been reading about. It threw me off. I thought maybe he was just going along with Valentine to figure out what really happened to his dad and maybe even help Clary's mom. (hide spoiler)]

For the good!
(view spoiler)[I really reeeally liked hearing Luke's story. It was such an interesting tale. I can only imagine what it was like for Clary to hear about him and her mother when they were her age. It was nice to get some backstory on Valentine and how he became who he is. It made me appreciate him more as an antagonist. It also made me really care about Jocelyn and Luke after everything Valentine put them through. The fact that Luke's best friend, his parabatai, told him to take his own life because he became a werewolf was just heartbreaking. The dude was suppose to have his back and it's not like he chose to get bitten! So sad.

I kinda liked seeing Jace as a broken character. I didn't care for how it was done, but it was definitely interesting to see him in such a fragile state. I guess it reminded me off what Clary said and how if you don't bend you'll break.

Now when I noticed Jace and Clary were going to be a couple I was like "Dammit come on... Really? You know what? I hope they pull a Star Wars." This got spoiled for me later after I had had that thought. Definitely should be more careful for what I wish for! When I got to the part what it was going to be revealed that they were related, part of what really drove me to finish the book was to see if they really were. I mean... I still kinda have doubts they are. They seem to be so clearly written for each other. While I don't like it that they're brother and sister, I really appreciate the lack of predictability. I didn't see that coming (until it was spoiled for me).

I hope they're not related, but I don't know how they can't be. My only hope right now is that Valentine is a manipulative liar and Jace's previous intense convictions to witnessing his father's death. Right now though, I just want to find a Jace and Valentine parody comic of Luke and Darth Vader. Valentine would be all "Jace... I am your father," and Jace would give him a sassy retort all Jace like.

Oh and Alec is a pretty cool guy when he doesn't flat out hate on Clary! I didn't think I was going to like him, but he's not so bad. (hide spoiler)]

First I'll start off with Jace. My god this kid is a pretentious little sh** to say the least, but that's what I love about him (unless he's butthurt and using his pretentiousness to hide his true feelings. Then it's just annoying). He's probably my favorite character now. I like how blatant he is and the reactions he stirs up in every character he talks to. He still has a lot of growing up to do though and I'm hoping to see some character development.

Hotel:

(view spoiler)[ I didn't expect Raphael to be the leader. A lackey yes, but not the leader. Also I didn't mind Jace making fun of Simon at first, but once Simon literally became a rat it got old fast. (hide spoiler)]

Simon and Clary:

(view spoiler)[ My least favorite type of couple is the best friend couple because honestly... When does that relationship really work? You date your best friend in middle school, realize how awkward it is, and mutually break up with each other still besties. This is generically speaking of course. I know some best friends do last as couples, but it's not as common in real life and happens way too much on TV especially. Anyway, I like both of these characters, but not together. I didn't like that Simon lightly kissed her before confessing he liked her either. I mean unless he knew the feeling was mutal? Gaaaaaaaah! It's like begging for drama between them since they are best friends atm. (hide spoiler)]

Jace and Clary:

(view spoiler)[I ship them, but something did get spoiled for me about later in the book (which I'll talk about in the final section). While I was kinda rolling my eyes at first they are cute together. What do you know. Jace actually has a heart. I liked the garden scene with the picnic. It was romantic and reminded me of a date I went on once. The kiss was pretty well done too although I didn't expect it so soon. (hide spoiler)]

Thanks Emma! And Alexis I know exactly what you mean about "Oh honey, no." I'm 21 and find myself reacting the same way at times. >___<

Just finished 13. So far I like this section quite a bit more than the previous one.I like how Clary learns the truth about her mother and the overall nooks and crannies of the Shadow World. I like the feeling that the group is on this wild goose chase where basically every time they have a question and find a answer, they only uncover more questions.

My favorite scene would have to be the one where Jace tells Clary a bedtime story. I did NOT expect it to end that way at all. It makes me wonder what kind of person the father (in the story who is clearly Jace's) was. Overall I really like the dynamic between Clary and Jace. They bounce off each other really well in my opinion.

Also I have no idea why, but when they started talking about Warlocks (Magnus in particular) I imagined them having a hairstyle like Wolverine's, but extra spikey.

Just finished chapter 8. When I first started the book I thought it was pretty meh. Parts of it felt like it was trying too hard to be cool or unique or something. It wasn't till the end of chapter 3 that it started actually getting interesting for me.

My first impression of the characters was interested/annoyed. I kinda felt like a senior reacting the freshman in high school (especially Simon, but that one moment was really cute and made me like him). Something about them bugged me, but it wasn't because they were badly written characters. Quite the opposite. I feel like Clary especially was well written with the way she talks and reacts to what's going on.

Jace is a character I have mix feelings about. I've never read the series, but it seems pretty obvious he's going to be Clary's love interest. He's so full of himself and dark or whatever. However as I learned more about him, I found myself liking his character more.

I think Clary is my main character and Dorthea is probably my favorite side character so far.

This will be my first time reading any of the books. I remember being really interested in the series when I was younger and considered buying the books, but never did.