The Mortal Instruments #5: City of Lost Souls

 

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.

First of all, I was really glad that I got to read this edition that has a bonus story of how Jonathan Morgenstern transformed and happily took the name of Sebastian Verlac. I find that it was descriptions were awfully nasty of how Jonathan did his way to what he wanted. But despite my disgusted face while reading it, I find that the author truly writes beautifully and brilliantly that the characters and events that happened right in front of my eyes. They all come out of the book! It’s fascinating!

What surprised me the most was, I needed a whole week and another day just to finish the ever many pages that sums up every-thing Jace’s lost soul. I guess I was just really exhausted every single day because of school and I was being a lazy bum. Nevertheless, I really feel like I had accomplished so much just finishing the book. SO many good vocabulary used too, by the author! She’s so awesome!!

Oh yes. I would like to share songs from a band named Fuel. These songs were supposed to be included in the review that I did for City of Fallen Angels or was it for City of City of Glass? That’s a rhetorical question. Anyway, as I was saying…. let’s just get to the point. The songs are from their album “Angels & Devils” which, just from the title is already pretty relevant. Go check out the songs: “Falls on Me” and don’t miss out listening to “Scars in the Making” too!! Just to be sure – don’t hesitate to listen to the whole album itself! In my opinion – those two songs are my most favorite and that connects/sounds relevant to the Mortal Instruments series! I’m going to included some quotes that makes the book so memorable – SO AWESOME!

As we all know we’re coming to the end of TMI series but I don’t care – I never regret reading this series!! The best books ever!!!

“He padded off to the kitchen, the antennae on his slippers waving gently like a seaweed in a current.” Sounds cute to have that slippers haha! Where did you purchase your green slippers since it’s described as seaweed huh Magnus B must be vintage hahah!!! *shuts up before Alec notices I’m flirting with his boyfriend*

I hardly believe myself for laughing at Jace but “not Jace” remarks. He sounded really weird but funny and I thought the book was not serious at all about any of every situation. That part of the book I have to question. I admit though, I laughed which is a really good thing. However, I don’t understand why I did even. Haha I’m rambling. Just read the book.

Clary: “Ducks?” Jace: “I hate ducks. Don’t know why. I just always have.” Jace, i can tell you why LOL

My theory for the next book – Jace will have the weapon that will kill Sebastian. I can imagine Jace killing Sebastian just because of his charming face and every of his flawless handsome face and sure he will agree with me. I hope to get a good kiss on the cheek for the compliment, haha!! And only Jace can get access to Sebastian and completely destroy him and end everything with no remaining of him. Fully get to him. Jonathan. Brain, you’ve got to stop confusing me.

Clary is still annoying as ever. I get so irritated when it’s her thoughts that I’m reading. I don’t like her. I like Isabelle better! Clary's more than a fictional character though. Realistic even. She has that recklessness that people can relate to and probably that’s my positive comment I’ll give her credit for.

“It was stupid to hope, she knew. But sometimes hope was all you had.” –Clary Fray

My heart’s breaking in pieces for Alec and Magnus. They have got to have some other way to fix things between them! Please! Hoping something better comes between the two! Chairman Meow

And let’s not forget to chase the problem Maureen is causing to the Shadowhunter/Downworlder world, all right. Because she’s a minor problem that’s adding to the major problem. The Clave has got to prevent her from what she’s doing so wrong! Who knows Sebastian might get her to join his side of Roman, evildoers – the Team Bad? I am so making wild guesses now, all right. I don’t want things to be worse for Jace and then Simon would blame himself because he is responsible for Maureen’s doing at the moment. Aaaaah just no! Readers will also have to stay tuned for this too!

“I’ll take Shadowhunter, then. Because from what I’ve experienced of vampires, you mostly suck. No pun intended.” Hahahah!! Look at Simon entertaining the current leader of vampire clan, Raphael. HAHAHA I laughed my head off!! Too bad Raphael isn’t the type of guy who like being entertained HAHAHAHA

I forgot to talk about a couple of things.

I’m very much pleased with Alec and Magnus witchlight scene. I can imagine the witchlight full of colors – rose, blue and green. I call it the witchlight one last moment. Warlocks are so so cool!!

Alec is one of the most honest and bravest. Let me tell you. I have my reason. First, he doesn’t want any more barriers that will prevent him to let the whole world know who he truly is. He wants to be himself around others. And with that attitude that Alec projects out to people, Aline stepped out and was inspired for standing up for what she believes too. Now that’s just something we all should learn. Be yourself even when others think differently. Stand up to what you think is right. Be happy.

Another one would be when Jocelyn and Isabelle met the Iron Sisters. I really thought throughout the series we will not get into any of the sisters’ fortress because it’s confidential for boys. Well, I’m a girl. And some readers are boys so…. What am I saying.

Next one – Brother Zachariah. Oh I’m interested of his previous life so much. He’s so full of showing emotions that the other Silent Brothers. Oh brotherhood. I’m in for those theories other readers are asking/telling Cassie – this might be our Jem Carstairs. The mystery is literally killing me. And Brother Zachariah might have given us 2 clues when he said he loved two people. Oh brotherhood! I can’t stop saying “oh brotherhood!” hahah!!

Last but not the least, my lovely, fair skin no pores but all flawless with his nerdy spectacles and huge fan of comics plus Star Wars – Simon Lewis. He is love. He’s so genuine and caring you just have to love him. And Isabelle changed because of him. Aww.

Jordan and Maia. Ah. Werewolves are in love too. Now I’m in for anything “in love”. Haha!

So many lovebirds I’m drowning with no one to save me. Valentines’ Day is coming, YO!  I don’t want to complain. I’m just going to squeeze myself in all of the love teams in this warm group – The Team Good!

Overall – 4 stars!! So in love with it. Always.

The question is HOW MANY MORE TORTURING MONTHS TO “CITY OF HEAVENLY FIRE”???? GIVE IT. I NEED CoHF TO SURVIVE.

The Mortal Instruments #4: City of Fallen Angels

Who will fall in love, and who will find their relationship torn apart?
Who will betray everything they ever believed in?
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge.
In the heart-pounding fourth installment of the Mortal Instruments series, the stakes are higher than ever.

What I enjoyed reading in this fourth installment of the series are Jace and Simon. Both has a great story to tell. On the other, Clary, as always, still lack of story aside being a lover, non-stop supporter of Jace.

“That’s a mango.” Simon stared at Jace. Sometimes it really was like Shadowhunters were from an alien planet. <—- patience Simon hahaha XD

Jace counterpart Will. Ah. Herondales. Will, for one, was quite involved. Somehow in a few conversations which made me almost complete and utterly on my knees begging for more Will mentions, haha! I miss Will already! I want to focus this review on Jace and Simon. I'll not say they are my favorite characters, no. However, both carried stories that sums up the whole Mortal Instruments series, in my opinion. Especially Jace. Oh Jace, yes. Since from the beginning in City of Bones, he's the reason why – he took the readers to the Shadowhunters' world. He always bring that to all readers. Jace has gotten us all engrossed and stick to him – throughout his journey from mundane world to Seelie Court, to Alicante in Idris until to this book at a scaffolded building something something street. Sorry. I seem to forget the long address of the place.

Anyway, I'm so impressed at the vocabulary used. A wide usage of very difficult words that I have to get myself a dictionary by my side. At all times. I'm still pretty weak in English. Apologize my bad English reviews too.

Not only the fact that the author uses good description and very intense emotions but I love how she somewhat put Jace and Simon in a situation where they can sort of hang out and be friends, finally haha!! I love them both! Interesting characters! And in a way they fallen into the same trap. Pretty connected. Well-organized plot.

“You made a pet out of me, and then you left me. If love were food, I would have starved on the bones you gave me.” -Magnus Bane

We thought of Simon – a character in the background but I realized – he is as important as Jace making whole lot of sense in each chapter of the book – every page you turn you have to have either Simon or Jace there. Other characters are merely just story which, in my opinion the spotlight or main event isn’t happening on their part. Don’t get me wrong I love to have to read the sugar-coated the author has written and put extra effort on masterpiece but GAH the story is what I’m chasing for in a book sometimes whether it has good romance or not – if the story has STORY to tell, I’m in!! The twist at the end – Oh my heck! “We are one.” Killer!!

There are also down right hilarious conversation between/among characters which I didn’t regret laughing out loud even if means people will look at me thinking I’m crazy. “You know what’s awesome? Having a vampire in our band. This is the thing that’s really going to take us over the top.” really? hahaha Here comes the part about sexy vampire mojo. So it was Kirk who call the Simon that LOL go sexy vampire mojo (two timer) Simon HAHAHA

And in this case, 4 stars right away after I finished the amazingly brilliant book!! City of Lost Souls – here I come!!!

The Mortal Instruments #3: City of Glass

To save her mother’s life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters — never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and her best friend, Simon, has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family’s past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he’s willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City — whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling The Mortal Instruments.

I gasped in surprise here and there gasped in horror from the deaths that I didn’t expect would happen. Grotesque, horrible death especially of what Valentine did with the Inquisitor. I have to say I like this book better than the second— City of Ashes. I give it 4 stars! I really think about it, if only I could visit this fantasy world, I would. I’ve been wishing, daydreaming about it. Alicante, Idris particularly.

I hope Clary’s character get well-develop and make better progress. This one did a little bit but I want more from her. I didn’t really like her attitude from City of Ashes. I just hope her character improves more in the next book.

There’s one huge question burning in my head about Jace. Let’s face it, it’s quite of a spoiler but how the heck did get the mark like star (birthmark of Herondale)? He was a baby and his biological parents died and he was only in the womb? How did he get the scar/birthmark? Who had marked him? It couldn’t be his real parents because they died. Hmmm. Unsolved question.

I like how I’ll guess about what’s going to happen. I can’t wait to read the next to this i don’t know what City was it though, haha! Oh well. I don’t believe Jonathan/Sebastian was dead. He had probably survived and now lying-low, recovering and lurking for the meantime. I guess.

Anyway, I really like Simon and Isabelle to be together!! And yes, Magnus and Alec! SQUEE, people!!!! many events happened in the book such a thick book and I like like it!!! Never to late to read the TMI books!!! GO GO!! I love you Cassandra Clare!! Continue to do what you do! Make Clary’s character more likable. Thanks, bye!

I was arguing with myself while reading the pages, who do I like more Jace or Sebastian haha!! You’ll find out who you like by the end! I somehow knew it Jonathan/Sebastian could’ve just said at his cousin at Penhallows and new friends the Lightwood plus his ultimate sarcastic smart mouth challenger, Jace is amalayer amalayer? Omg amalayer??? Loooooool XD

And omg just some spoiler again, live long Herondale family you guys are charming enough haha!

Ok I’ve gone too far and out of control. And it feels like i’m still bad at reviewing books because it all includes my fangirling mode. Oh well. Enjoy TMI: City of Glass!!

The Mortal Instruments #2: City of Ashes

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what’s normal when you’re a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who’s becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn’t ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary’s only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father? 

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City’s Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

Nothing much happened in this book. I'd rather wish I could read the first installment instead. 2 stars of 5 stars rating.

The Mortal Instruments #1: City of Bones

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder — much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Clary knows she should call the police, but it’s hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary.

Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary’s mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque demon.

But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know….

I have no word for how amazing this book is!! Shadow World a whole new world to discover yourself! I can’t wait to read City of Ashes! “A sarcastic blond genie with a bad attitude.” <–Jace haha! TMI City of Bones pretty much reminds me of Percy Jackson. Jace has a great sense of humor!! Bwuahaha!! Very sarcastic guy too! Imma smack Jace in the face if ever he was for real! He plays with girls that way. Flirty! LOL ME, SOOO ADDICTED TO CITY OF BONES!!! JACE WAYLAND IS SO DANG COCKY. When reading this, I can't stop thinking and kept saying this in my head: WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG TO READ THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, "CITY OF BONES"??? I'M IN LOOOOVE.

I heard the book has a movie coming up this year but rather cancelled because the movie got dropped (?). I don't know, that's what I'm seeing on the net. Hmmm. Let's hope they get it done soon!! Psst! But reading will amaze you more than a movie will! Just saying.