"You're right," Clary said, "Our problems really aren't like other people's problems."
Here I am, the fifth book of the series completed, one more to go.
I read more for the characters than the story at this point. So far it still seems most of the book's world really was effectively wrapped up by the end of the third book. Now I'm reading more to see what happens with the characters: how they grow, what they do, what the result is.
The villain in the series is like Jason from Friday the 13th: hard to kill and doesn't want to stay dead. Scenes with him were actually fascinating sometimes, better than before; he has that intriguing darkness about him that livens up the page scenes. I still could care less about Clary, but the dynamic with them and that bizarre apartment and other worlds was almost mystical. The party scene with the fae was especially dark.
Jace...well, he is not here most of the book in the form we know him, and I still don't care much about the relationship angle. It's not as mooning this time around, though, and even if I kept skimming their scenes sometimes, it didn't get on my nerves as much as before. Isabelle has surprisingly grown on me - she shows stronger character and compassion. Simon is a favorite of the writer, it seems. His sidestory in this book isn't big and interesting, but he plays a major role in the team. I'm not sure what to think yet about the ending with him and something he lost.
I'm happy there was a lot more of Alec and Magnus, my favorite pairing. Alec makes some stupid decisions that made me grate my teeth, though, which was beyond annoying. The ending was a stab to the heart but the scene was powerfully written. Alec is one of my favorites with his seriousness and genuine issues, but he overdid the worry here sometimes. He finally got to shine as awesome with his fighting skills during the war, especially the arrow and then Magnus' pride.
(“Speaking of hope, did you see that shot Alec got off with his bow? That's my boyfriend.” )
The warlock himself = bliss. My favorite character of the series. He goes from being amusing with his clothing comments and accusing Simon of eating his cat, to mysterious with the father's history, to absolutely drool-worthy with how he's sweet with Alec. Be still my heart - although now it's broken after the end (Grrr) Spoilers at least prepared me for it.
The scene with Maureen was unrealistic, I'm already tired of her by the last book. Curious what's happened with the Lightwood's father. The ending note seemed a bit anticlimactic, but at least there was no big cliffhanger. Even though I have the next book ready, wasn't in the mood for that.
As always, action scenes are treated effectively and Clare writes them well. Dialogue goes from poetic (Sebastian) to funny (others), spot on.
(“As far as I’m concerned, this is the worst thing that’s happened since I found out why Magnus was banned from Peru.” - Jace)
Pacing is a little uneven still but that's why some skimming was invented.
So far one of my favorites of the series, hope I can say the same about the next and final book. Just hope my favorites are in there lot - I got so bored with Jordan and Maia scenes and a little too much head hopping around.
Book Quotes:
“He is a Shadowhunter,” said Jocelyn. “His loyalty will be to Clave and Covenant.”
“He’s my friend,” said Magnus coldly. “His loyalty is to me.”
“You may have the worst timing since Napoleon decided the dead of winter was the right moment to invade Russia.”
“Ah,” said Magnus. “Nerd love. It is a beautiful thing, while also being an object of mockery and hilarity for those of us who are more sophisticated.”
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