This series is another Goodreads group read I’m doing with several others in my 2-3-4 Challenge group. It’s an older series that was later developed onto both the big and small screen.
Fifteen-year old Clary Fray goes into a nightclub called Pandemonium with her best friend Simon and sees two very attractive people exit into a closed off area. She follows and then witnesses a third person attack and kill one of them. Unfortunately, she seems to be the only one that can even see the three. It’s this encounter that introduces her to a world that’s very much a part of her identity, particularly when her mother leaves her a desperate message that same night and then mysteriously disappears.
I had a tough time getting into this story that was initially plagued by lots of juvenile, young adult behavior in the midst of laying the foundation for the fantasy element and world building. I couldn’t figure out the plot or direction and the events seemed to be disjointed. I’m glad I chose to listen to the story as I’m not sure I would have continued. But! About halfway into it, things started making more sense and I became interested in the fantasy structure. I liked that there was sort of a classification of the creatures and beings. And, while there was a good versus evil component, there was lots of gray within each group.
The dialogue and interactions between Clary, Simon and the Shadowhunters are still a bit tedious for me but I’m intrigued by how it ended. Things got a bit more complicated and murky, enough for me to want to stay with the series. I elevated my rating because of how dramatically my opinion and interest shifted. Not the strongest start but good enough. And, the narrator seems to fit Clary like a glove.
Book Info
- Release Date: March 27, 2007
- Series: The Mortal Instruments
- Narrator: Ari Graynor
- Audio Length: 14 hours, 12 minutes
Blue Mood Café 
I tried to read this series a couple of years ago and I just couldn’t get into it at the time.
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It was a rough start for me, too. I read reviews of others who had issues but loved when it transitioned to The Infernal Devices. So, I’m holding out for that. But, I like how the book ended.
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Wonderful review, Jonetta! I’m glad it got better and that the narrator is a good fit for the characters. Happy week ahead!
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Thanks, Jennifer! You have a great week, too.
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I also gave this one a try, but could not really get into the story line. Glad you found a way to do that, Jonetta.
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I can certainly understand that, Marialyce! It helps to be part of group reading the series. And, listening to the series helps a lot.
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I know a lot of people love these books but I’m afraid I can’t get passed a story with a kid at 15 going into a nightclub. These stories are just not aimed at me.
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Alexandra, this is wa-a-a-ay out of my comfort zone. But, I’m hanging in there for now.
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I don’t mind reading something different, and what would be out of my own comfort zone. I like different genre, but a lot of YA drives me nuts. 😉
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I’m with you there on YA. I have a really good friend who normally vets the genre as she knows what drives me batty. This one has a few of those elements that bug me but the created world is interesting for now. Fingers crossed🤞
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A rocky start but I’m so glad this one picked up for you, especially as I have it to read! 😊
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Thanks, Janel! I’ve read that the transition to The Infernal Devices is where the series hits its stride so I’m hanging in through that.
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Great review, Jonetta! I read this one and switched to audio for the remaining books. I wasn’t a big fan of this book, but thought the series did get better in the other books.
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Thanks, Darinda! Great to know that it does get better.
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I absolutely loved this book when it came out. In fact I loved the first three. Then Clockwork Prince came out and it was the exact same story with the exact same characters again. And then I read the 4th one and hated it. And now all Cassandra Clare does is write the same stuff over and over. I find it annoying.
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That’s interesting, Ash! So many reviews have it flipped (loving The Infernal Devices). *sigh* I’ll just keep plowing on😏
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I read this with my then teenage daughter; it was rough for me too but she ended up reading and loving them all.
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I think the YA aspect is what’s grating for adults. It’s just too young in the dialogue. However, the audio helps get through the silly spots.
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I read the first 3 in this series and it was too YA for me I guess. I hope you are able to enjoy it. There were certainly lots of plot twists.
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I’m glad I got the audio version as it helps.
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I’ve never started reading a series before. Do you like them better?
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Yes, I’m very partial to series reading. When I like a story and the characters, I’m loathe to let them go😍
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Great thanks for your honest opinion!
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I am glad it got better for you Jonetta. This is a series that has been on my TBR for a long time and I don’t see it moving up too quickly. Nice honest review.
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Thanks, Carla! It’s interesting thus far. Let’s hope it holds up.
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I read this series awhile back. When my oldest daughter (now 23) was…13???…she read the first few, and since she left all her books on my shelves when she moved out…I got curious. Ended up buying the remaining books in the series and read them all. There were books I loved, and a few I didn’t, but I was committed to seeing it through and overall I did enjoy them. I keep meaning to go back to this author, but her books are SO long…the move made me mad. Hated the casting, hated the story changes…typical “the book is better” fare. I’ve avoided the series. 😉
I’m glad you finally came around to it. It was either book 3 or 4 that fell short for me, but I persisted, and I’m not sorry. 🙂
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Thanks for this wonderful feedback, Myndi!! I want to see the series through, too, but was worried it wouldn’t hold up. You’ve given me inspiration.
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You’re welcome! It’s quite a time commitment, so I do hope you enjoy it. 🙂
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Ha! I meant “movie”, not move. 😀
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Oh, that took me 2 seconds to figure out😏
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I read the first three books in this series. I enjoyed them well enough. They have a lot of the tropes of YA from the time. Not my favorite series, but not my least favorite either. I remember having similar feelings to you.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Melanie! Your feedback is helpful as you have a lot more experience in this genre. Much appreciated.
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