City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare -- Restarting October 1st 2024

[Akshita]

Hmm, I'll try to do the same.

[Akshita]

Starting now!

[Akshita]

Prologue
(view spoiler)[Oh no. I'm really not looking forward to introduction of so many new characters at this point in the series.
Well at least all Shadowhunter family trees will hopefully start making a bit more sense now. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Prologue
Oh no. I'm really not looking forward to introduction of so many new characters at this point in the series.
Well at least all Shadowhunter family trees will hopefully start making a bit m..."

(view spoiler)[ It does seem a little late to be adding any new characters never mind this many. I don’t think we’ll get to know them too well (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Chapter 1
My 3 chapters a day thing isn’t going too well. The chapters are even longer than I expected.
(view spoiler)[ I thought I recognised some names from the prologue. I’m glad they cleared that up. My biggest take away from this chapter is that I want to go to New York at Christmas time. It sounds nice. It does seem like we’ll get some action pretty quickly in this book which is good though. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Aaron wrote: "Chapter 1
My 3 chapters a day thing isn’t going too well. The chapters are even longer than I expected.
[spoilers removed]"

Oh, I am actually finding these chapters a bit quicker to get through. Just don't have the time to read much these days.
Chapter 2
(view spoiler)[I am enjoying it so far. Though after the previous book, I feel like I'll be bored pretty quick if we don't get to the action soon. I'm kinda fed up of reading about their relationship dynamics. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Chapter 3
(view spoiler)[ The last couple of chapters have been surprisingly good. I’ve really gotten into it. I was unsure about a bunch of new characters coming in but I actually really like Emma and Jules. Their parts have been pretty emotional. It does seem like we might not be getting any action for a while though. I’m guessing the Clave need to think up some sort of plan. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Aaron wrote: "Chapter 3
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I agree about Jules and Emma. I've already started caring about them, even though we just met a few pages ago.
I didn't think it was possible, but I'm really liking Jace and Clary as well in this book. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Chapter 5
(view spoiler)[ So Jordan just died..? Though with all that foreshadowing, I'd seen it coming.
I am feeling a much greater sense of loss for these ancient people dying one by one. First Ragnor Fell, then Camille, and now Woosley Scott. They've been here for a long time, and their deaths feel the same way to me as Silent Brothers dying.

Also, I'm curious to know who lives at the London institute now. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Chapter 5
So Jordan just died..? Though with all that foreshadowing, I'd seen it coming.
I am feeling a much greater sense of loss for these ancient people dying one by one. First Ragnor Fell, t..."

(view spoiler)[ It’s even worse since they are all dying so close together after living for so long. I didn’t think Jordan would actually die because of all the foreshadowing. Sebastian is being quite smart by trying to stop people helping the shadowhunters. It seems like he could actually beat them. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Chapter 7
(view spoiler)[ I was worried about brother Zachariah for a minute then until I remembered that he still has to leave the silent brothers at some point. I’m guessing that means they’ll all be fine.
They should’ve let more shadowhunters through the portal though. If they’d listened to the people who have experience with Sebastian, quite a few lives could’ve been saved. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Aaron wrote: "Chapter 7..."

(view spoiler)[It took me a while to comprehend that scene. I didn't immediately realise that something bad had happened and Brother Zachariah was hurt.
So I guess that was it? Jem is back to being Jem again?

And yeah, I was furious at Robert and others. They weren't even trying to understand what Jace had to say.
Sebastian is an impressive villain. Like you said, it seems like he could actually win.

I loved reading this chapter though. The fighting scenes, the heavenly fire part and the Iron Sisters coming out to help.. all of it was super fun to read about! (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

I haven't read much over the past 2 days.
I'm still on chapter 10, and don't have any particular thoughts so far.

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "I haven't read much over the past 2 days.
I'm still on chapter 10, and don't have any particular thoughts so far."
I’m at a similar point. Should hopefully get through a bit more today.

[Akshita]

Chapter 11
(view spoiler)[I'm really liking Sebastian as a villain. His plans are definitely well thought-out.
I also kinda feel bad for him. The way he keeps coming for Clary and Jace, and how they talk about him just wanted some company. Not that it justfies his actions.
But I am able to sympathize with him sometimes.

I know that Julian and Emma storyline is mostly kept on the side, and Tessa and Jem's past has only been mentioned now in the beginning of chapter 12, I'm still feeling a bit overwhelmed with so many characters and storylines merging together. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Which chapter are you on?

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Which chapter are you on?"

Hi. Sorry. I’m still on chapter 10. Had a lot of uni stuff to do for the past couple of days. I will catch up soon.

[Akshita]

It's fine. I didn't read ahead either.

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Chapter 11
I'm really liking Sebastian as a villain. His plans are definitely well thought-out.
I also kinda feel bad for him. The way he keeps coming for Clary and Jace, and how they talk about h..."

(view spoiler)[ I’m doing alright with the merging storylines. I think it’s kind of working because of the length of the book. I’m glad it is just long instead of being rushed.
I also like Sebastian as a villain. He can’t really help the fact that he doesn’t completely understand or feel things like love. It was smart to make him understandable. It adds another aspect to the story. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Aaron wrote: "Akshita wrote: "Chapter 11
I'm really liking Sebastian as a villain. His plans are definitely well thought-out.
I also kinda feel bad for him. The way he keeps coming for Clary and Jace, and how t..."

(view spoiler)[Hmm you are right about the storylines working because of it's length.
It's just that I feel so differently about Infernal Devices characters and TMI ones. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Aaron wrote: "Akshita wrote: "Chapter 11
I'm really liking Sebastian as a villain. His plans are definitely well thought-out.
I also kinda feel bad for him. The way he keeps coming for Clary and J..."

(view spoiler)[ That’s fair. It was a pretty different series. It feels like forever ago when we read the infernal devices books. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Finished part 1
I can't believe we are already halfway through.
Feels like nothing's happened, though that might be the result of the pace I'm reading at. I'm already starting to forget the details

[Akshita]

Chapter 14
(view spoiler)[ Those dreams were so precious! Especially Clary's. I wish it could be real...Sebastian becoming the good guy by the end. (hide spoiler)]

i'll be reading upto chapter 16 today.

[Aaron]

I’m catching up. It’s just happening slowly.
End of part 1
(view spoiler)[ I don’t completely understand why they can’t just like portal Mark to Idris or something. I’m glad we got an update on him but I feel sorry for him. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Aaron wrote: "I’m catching up. It’s just happening slowly.
End of part 1
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I just assumed that he was "bound" to the Wild Hunt, like Jace said, he was one of them now. So maybe sending him back would've been against the Accords or something? Though I don't really know how the Wild Hunt works. We weren't given many details. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Aaron wrote: "I’m catching up. It’s just happening slowly.
End of part 1
[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ some more detail would’ve been nice. It seemed like the only problem with taking him back was the rules but the faeries have already gone against the shadowhunters so I feel like them breaking a rule doesn’t matter. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Chapter 14
[spoilers removed]

i'll be reading upto chapter 16 today."

(view spoiler)[ That would be nice but it’d feel unrealistic. I hope we do get some form of happy ending for all the characters though. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Aaron wrote: "Akshita wrote: "Chapter 14
[spoilers removed]

i'll be reading upto chapter 16 today."

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[i agree about that being unrealistic. i really like Sebastian's character though. It'd be sad when he dies. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Chapter 17
(view spoiler)[I'm just worried about Magnus and Raphael right now. I really like both of them, and while I don't think they'll die, it's still a scary situation.

Is it bad that I'm kinda grateful that they took Maureen out? I found her to be extremely annoying and not the most likable character.

What are your general thoughts on the book so far though? Are you liking it more than the previous ones? (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

I'm just confused on whether i should wait, in case you're still catching up, or read ahead in case you've been reading a lot but didn't post the updates yet 😅

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "I'm just confused on whether i should wait, in case you're still catching up, or read ahead in case you've been reading a lot but didn't post the updates yet 😅"

Sorry. I’m still catching up but feel free to go ahead. I just hit chapter 16

[Akshita]

It's fine. I don't feel like reading it alone, so I'll wait.
Just don't end up finishing way earlier than me. Rest is good 😅

[Aaron]

Chapter 16
(view spoiler)[I wasn’t expecting Maureen to be take out like that but it makes things easier. It feels like everyone is getting into place for a big battle now.
I’m liking all of the characters more in this book but it’d be a bit better if they got to the war quicker.
I’m glad we got a bit of an update on how the prisoners are. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "It's fine. I don't feel like reading it alone, so I'll wait.
Just don't end up finishing way earlier than me. Rest is good 😅"

Yeah of course. I’ll at least catch up today. I’ll probably finish chapter 18 as well.

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Chapter 17
I'm just worried about Magnus and Raphael right now. I really like both of them, and while I don't think they'll die, it's still a scary situation.

Is it bad that I'm kinda grateful th..."

Chapter 18
(view spoiler)[ Magnus and Raphael need to get out of there so Clary and the others need to work fast. They don’t know the full urgency of the situation though.
I like the amount of Jem we’re getting. I was expecting him to just be done and leave. I hope he lets Emma know they are family. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Chapter 18
(view spoiler)[I agree about Jem. He's probably my favorite character from this series after Magnus.
Sometimes, I feel like there's too much convenience in this series. Like, the stakes never seem high enough. The solutions present themselves just at the right time. Too many demons? Let's portal. Isabelle's wounded? Simon can heal her! All in the same chapter. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Chapter 18
I agree about Jem. He's probably my favorite character from this series after Magnus.
Sometimes, I feel like there's too much convenience in this series. Like, the stakes never seem hig..."

(view spoiler)[ you’re right. It’s like they have all the powers they could possibly need between them. It does kind of take away some suspense. That healing thing came out of nowhere. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Chapter 19
(view spoiler)[Nooo, not Raphael! I did not see that coming at all! He was another favourite... and the fact that he died saving Magnus just makes it even more painful.

Though, the banter between Simon and others following that scene was a pleasant surprise. I like how much Jace has warmed up to Simon over the series.
(hide spoiler)]

I'll probably finish one more chapter today.

[Akshita]

I read quite a bit today. Done till chapter 23.
It's getting good now, with the war and all.

[Aaron]

Ok. I’ll get to the same point today then

[Akshita]

I have around 40 more pages left to read. I'll probably end up finishing today.

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "I have around 40 more pages left to read. I'll probably end up finishing today."

Nice. I’ve got an assignment to do but i should finish tomorrow.

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Chapter 19
Nooo, not Raphael! I did not see that coming at all! He was another favourite... and the fact that he died saving Magnus just makes it even more painful.

Though, the banter between Simo..."
(view spoiler)[ It’s nice that Simon fits in now. I’m glad him and Alec kind of cleared the air.
Raphael’s death was more of a shock than anything. It’s just strange that he’s gone. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Done!
(view spoiler)[And I'm just so happy right now. Loved how very hopeful and heartwarming the ending was.

(Not sure how I feel about the Simon part though.)

I think I'll post rest of my thoughts tomorrow. There're a lot, and I'm already half asleep (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Akshita wrote: "Done! ..."

(view spoiler)[I loved that we got to see Tessa and Jem together at the end. Reminded me of the ending of Clockwork Princess, that "wheel comes full circle" and stuff.

I am happy that Simon was back in the picture by the end. Though the way they managed to convince him so easily to join them was a bit weird.

It was kinda clever how the author introduced us to the characters and the plot for the next series already. I like Emma and Julian. They grew on me too quickly and i'm excited to read more of them.

Overall. I enjoyed this book. I can't say if it's the best one or not. I rated it higher than the others, but that may have more to do with it being the final book, than being better than the previous ones. (hide spoiler)]

Would you like to br TDA as well? Or we can also take a break if you've been busy.

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Akshita wrote: "Done! ..."

I loved that we got to see Tessa and Jem together at the end. Reminded me of the ending of Clockwork Princess, that "wheel comes full circle" and stuff.

I am happy that..."

Done
(view spoiler)[ I did like how everything was concluded. I really liked how we got to see who Sebastian could’ve been before he died. I also really like Emma and Julian. I want to hear more from Ty as well.

I think this was my favourite because I liked all the characters more even if the story wasn’t much better. I enjoyed reading this one more. (hide spoiler)]

I would like to read TDA but I have exams until May 11th. I should have way more reading time after that though.

[Akshita]

Okay. We'll start after that then.
Just pm me once you're free.

[Aaron]

Cool thanks

[Jenn]

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Date changed. Restarting October 1st 2024. Happy Reading ☺

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[Yolbooks]

Started reading this today. It is a re-read for me.