The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare -> Restarting November 12th, 2025

[Jamie]

75% (view spoiler)[Great...Lilith enters stage left! Trouble! And what is up with Jace?!?! (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Done (view spoiler)[I get why Jace feels guilty. What the heck is up suddenly with Sebastian????!!!. (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

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RESTARTING NOVEMBER 12TH, 2025


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[Kala]

Starting City of Bones tonight!

Through Chapter 9 (Part 1) (view spoiler)[
I'm enjoying the story so far. I had a feeling the Valentine was her father when they first brought his name up. I like the witch of the house and how she was adopted and taught by her mother. I don't trust Luke, though his brashness could have been to try and keep Clary safe. (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter 13 (view spoiler)[
Her friend has now been turned into a rat, who I'm not entirely sure why he's choosing to follow the group around all the time. Doesn't he have his own family that is worried about him? And Magnus signing her brain, oh dear, at least the memory spell wears out and she might be able to start remembering things. I'm worried about his warning to her about her mother running from shadow hunters. That would make sense if she was running from Valentine, who is a hunter, and he was sending his hunters after her. But Magnus made it sound like it was more along the lines of her running because of the shadow hunters. Though if that were it she would not have had the witch keeping an ear out for solely Valentine's name. Let's see who Clary can trust. (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter 20 (Part 3) (view spoiler)[

This must be why I enjoy thrillers so much. I never know who to trust. I also think the relationship with Clary and Simon is toxic. And Jace's reaction to it is just as bad, those this might be due to jealously and he'd never tell. I'm curious if Hodge's character will come back or if he'll scamper away now that he's free to. (hide spoiler)]

End (view spoiler)[
I knew from the beginning the twist with Valentine being Clary's father, even with all the times they tried to trick me. But I was surprised about Jace, thought it would make sense for Valentine to murder a boy and hind Jace. I'm sad Jace didn't get revenge, but we have more time for that. In the end I'm glad Simon was there to help. But I did find him a bit annoying with the way he acted about their relationship. (hide spoiler)]

[Jammin Jenny]

I'll be starting City of Bones tomorrow - wrapping up Ghost Story by Peter Straub currently

[Kala]

I realized Nickolas Nickleby is not a short read. I was looking at an abridged version previously. So I've been working on my current loans. Curious what your thoughts are of the book.

[Jammin Jenny]

Here we go!!!

Read up through Chapter 8 - 24%
(view spoiler)[I am liking this book a lot so far. I agree I'm not sure I trust Luke either, but I like Jace and Clary. And those men in the robes when they went to Luke's office (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter 16 - 52%
(view spoiler)[It's been very interesting to see the world of shadow hunters and the order set up by Valentine. I was surprised her mother was married to him, and now I'm not sure I trust her. Although I think she was trying to get her daughter away from danger. (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter 20 - 77%
(view spoiler)[Wow, lots of action in this section. I wonder if they'll be able to get the cup back after it was stolen again. And Luke is a werewolf!!! (hide spoiler)]

Done!
(view spoiler)[Wow. I did not see that coming - Jace is also Valentine's father so Jace and Clary are brother and sister. Or is Valentine lying again. Great start to a series!! (hide spoiler)]

[Jammin Jenny]

Kala wrote: "I realized Nickolas Nickleby is not a short read. I was looking at an abridged version previously. So I've been working on my current loans. Curious what your thoughts are of the book."

Yes, it's a LONG book - but we'll get lots of bonus points :)
It's 817 pages (most often) and 34.75 hrs long on Audible
How many days do you want to use to read this massive tome?
I'm thinking I'll read/listen to 15-20% each day. for 5-7 days.
But you do you!

[Kala]

I tend to read one book at a time. but with that book bring so long, and having so many other books checked out at the same time I'll try and keep pace with you. That way I can also work on my other books too.

[Jammin Jenny]

Okay, I'm going to start Nicholas Nickleby on Monday 11/17. Here's my reading plan:

11/17 - Ch 1-6
11/18 - Ch 7-12
11/19 - Ch 13-17
11/20 - Ch 18-22
11/21 - Ch 23-28

[Kala]

Ok sounds good. I'm just trying to get further in the BOTMs before starting. I will aim for at least starting on Monday as well.