City of Glass: Cassandra Clare *** Best of the Series ***

Rarely does an author get better with each novel as well as Cassandra Clare does. I was pulled in from the first page and only let go momentarily at the end, knowing I wanted and needed more. Yet, there was such a complete storyline with this one, I have to admit I'm not sure I'm running out to read City of Fallen Angels. Frankly, I didn't even know there was a Book 4 brewing until just before it came out, and the jacket cover for City of Glass specifies it as the final installment of the Mortal Instruments triology. I'm worried the author envisioned a well-planned and executed trilogy and was talked into a fourth for obvious, money-making reasons. I hope I'm wrong. I will eventually give the next book a chance. But I want to bask in the glow of this finish first.

Spoiler Alert: Jace and Clary finally find their way to each other with a hugely entertaining and not-what-I-expected reveal. Oh, I knew the two weren't brother and sister, but the author pulled me through the story in a way I never imagined. The introduction of Sebastian and the angel-infused manipulation by Valentine were brilliant. Brava Ms. Clare. And the ending with Jace and Clary and the Angel in the lake . . . stunning. Am I being vague? Yes. I don't want to ruin it too much. It's like telling someone at the beginning of The Sixth Sense that he can see dead people. The movie instantly becomes totally obvious and less stunning. I wouldn't do that to this book or this author.

I loved the come-to-Jesus (no pun intended) meetings between the Downworlders and Shadowhunters. Epic stuff. But if they can do it, maybe Republicans and Democrats can find a way to come together. Maybe!

I think this series is better written and executed that the Twilight series. Don't hate me (you know who you are!!). I can't wait to see these books turned into movies.

City of Ashes, Cassandra Clare: The Saga Continues

Sequel syndrome, as I like to call it, often seems to most affect the second book in a series. I enjoyed the Twilight series, but found New Moon the weakest link. And after loving Hunger Games, I wanted more from Catching Fire. When an author has a multi-book arc in mind, the sophomore attempt always seems story-building, but not all that exciting.

So I started City of Ashes with trepidation. You can see my review of City of Bones in this blog. I liked it, but wasn't overwhelmed. City of Ashes continues the story of Clary, who's just beginning to understand her Shadowhunter powers. Her mother is dying, trapped in her own spell, and her father is evil and trying to recruit her brother to the dark side. Simply put, of course.

There's tons of action and the story moves forward at a wonderful speed, no boring story or time spent on too much character development. In my review of the first book, I stated wanting more story for Simon, Clary's friend that yearns to be more, and Luke, her "father" in all the real ways. I'm thrilled to say . . . Simon got his story! I'm running to get the next in the series, City of Glass, just to find out more about Simon. Luke is still under-developed, but you get more glimpses into his character in this sequel. Little to nothing, however, is revealed about Clary's mom, and I really hope that happens in City of Glass.

I'm a bit over this complicated "he's my brother, but I have deeper feelings for him" storyline. The reveal that Jace and Clary are not brother and sister seems obvious to me, but I'm eager to see how the author accomplishes it after spending two books exploiting the will they-won't they.

Overall, I'm impressed with this book, particularly judging it against other lackluster sequels I've read lately. I'm looking forward to reading the next two in the series.

*****

Upcoming reviews: Jackie Bach, our Junior Reviewer, will review Uglies and Pretties by Scott Westerfeld. Hmmmmm, wonder if my daughter will feel the way I do about sequels?

City of Bones

The first book in the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare shows us a world of Shadowhunters, specially bred humans. These Nephilim are warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons, demons most humans can't even see. We meet Clary Fray and friend Simon as they head out for a night on the town. Clary witnesses a demon slaying and Jace, head Shadowhunter, knows she must be special.

When Clary's mom's life is threatened, Clary is thrown into the Shadowhunter world and discovers everything her mom has been hiding about her true lineage. Jace believes himself to be father-less, thinking he saw his father murdered in cold blood. The bond between Clary and Jace is immediately evident but not as it initially appears.

I loved the twists and turns. Every time I thought I had a grasp of a character, the plot threw me a curveball. Some of these deviations I enjoyed, some I didn't. Cassandra Clare weaves an intricate tale and leaves you wanting Book Two. Although the story is fast-paced and rewarding, the characters are thinly developed. Will I feel that way after Books Two and Three? I'm not sure, but I shouldn't have to read three books to feel an understanding for the characters.

Although Clary and Jace propel story, I was more intrigued by more minor characters like Simon, Luke and Jocelyn (Clary's mom). I'm not sure this was the Author's intent. Normally, I want the main characters to drive me from page to page. I hope the next two books bring some special powers to Simon and a full understand of what motivates Jocelyn. Let's hope anyway.

Listed on Amazon as appropriate for grades 8 and up. I would agree, and might go younger. For lovers of demon romance, there's very little and hints of it prove discouraging. At least in Book One, this series is more about the action and resolution than romance and deep thought.

As I always say, an Author's ultimate goal is to get you to buy their next book. Book Two is already bought.