The story continues from where the second book ended. Readers should know that this series has a continuing story arc and needs to be read in order. However, I’ll keep this spoiler free.
Clary Morgenstern must travel to Alicante, the capital and so called city of glass in Idris as it holds the key to releasing her mother Jocelyn from a coma. Jace doesn’t want her there as he fears it’s dangerous for her to be in the city without permission. Things go awry when he prevents her from going with him and the Lighfoots but accidentally brings along Simon (long story). Her eventual landing there is not without controversy as Valentine plans his final assault on Shadowhunters and Downworlders and things are not always as they seem.
This is my favorite to date and it was full of excitement, subterfuge, twists, tragedy and surprises. Most of my questions were answered and the journey to get to those revelations was one I enjoyed. A lot of my suspicions were confirmed, though not quite the way I’d envisioned the resolutions. The story was intricate without being overly complicated. And that showdown between a certain evil one and an angel? Everything I’d hoped for. The narrator’s storytelling was excellent as she handled a host of characters and scene shifts very well. I’m continuing this series on audio.
The first phase of the series seems to have ended but the introduction of a new character promises more turmoil for the future of the Shadowhunters and Downworlders. There’s lots of change ahead and I’m interested.
Book Info
- Release Date: March 9, 2009
- Series: The Mortal Instruments #3
- Narrator: Natalie Moore
- Audio Length: 15 hours, 22 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Join our Goodreads group discussion!
I read the first book in the series but I just never felt that invested. I might have to give this author another go at some point. Great review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jules! I struggled with the first book. The narrator changed with the second and it didn’t feel so “young & immature.” The world building got more interesting as did the story. With this one, I had a hard time putting it down. I also noticed the Goodreads reviews were so much better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been eyeing this series and think I may see if my library has them. Glad you enjoyed, Jonetta! Happy April!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marialyce! We survived April Fools Day☺️
I’d follow the two-book rule on this series as I had a tough time with the first book. The second book hooked me and this book was really good! The suggested reading order has us next reading The Infernal Devices “prequel” stories and then resuming the rest of this series. So, our group will begin that next.
LikeLike
I really need to get to this series! Great review, Jonetta. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mischenko!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review Jonetta! I’ve tried to read a few of Claire’s books but I’m never able to sink my teeth into it 😦 they’re so beloved I just want to love them too!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Christina! I know what you mean. Didn’t love the first book but I loved this one.
LikeLike
Wonderful review, Jonetta! This series also took a little while for me to get into. I agree with you, it does get better. Glad you’re enjoying the series now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Darinda! You were right about it getting better. I’m glad I stuck with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been eyeing this series but haven’t been able to talk myself into it. I may have to give it a try if you like it and see what I think. Great review, Jonetta! ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Stephanie! The first book was a challenge, which is why I switched to audio, so be warned. But it got progressively better and this book was the payoff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I better try reading it if it’s a challenge and then try the audio. I’m funny that way. I’m so picky with audio books. I’ve been listening to The Shining for 3 weeks now and am about to just get the book because I would have had it read by now–the narrator is awful! Ugh. I’ve already returned it to Audible for my credit. But at least The Savior is out today and I had that pre-ordered, so that was a credit but to good use!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I hate it when the narrator ruins a book! I just do better with audio in this genre. And, the books are 500+ pages.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, me too-he was just so dull and lifeless and I really expected Jack Torrance to be animated! I tend to struggle with audio in general unless I really love the narrator and am very committed to the story, so I like to try the book first if I can, especially a long book because I always read faster than I can listen to a book since I average reading 1 book every 1-2 days depending on my schedule, but I can only listen to an audiobook every 1-3 weeks since I work at home now and don’t have a 40 min commute anymore (thank goodness). Sometimes the audio will make the reading experience better though, so it’s always trial and error.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember you loving the first book, of a series I’ve yet to even think about. I don’t know, it just doesn’t appeal to me. But I’m not big on fantasy these days, nor was I ever into the undead. To me, bright sparkly people are ABBA! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I didn’t love the first book of this series. In fact, I dragged my feet starting the second book and was pleasantly surprised by it. This one was really good! The author has constructed a fairly complex and imaginative world, parts of which I find fascinating. It’s the YA element that I found…challenging. Dialogue of 15-year olds can be taxing.
I’ve never read the sparkly vampire series and never will. Not my cuppa. I never thought I’d ever be interested in anything featuring vampires but BDB (and another series) just hooked me because of its campiness and storytelling. Fantasy isn’t my comfort zone either unless it’s grounded in lore (especially Celtic) or a strong theme.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, we all love great characters and complex stories, and I do have to say, I love history and myth, so if an author has successfully integrated lore into their plot, great. But yeah, 15 year-olds have limited vocab and I’m guessing the dialogue is reflective. Which is another reason I shay away from YA novels. They’re not really aimed at me, anyway.
Thanks for clarifying. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh boy I never made it past the first book in the series, but now you have me wanting to remedy that, problem I don’t have that much time, LOL wonderful review as always!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Berit! Honestly? Without the group read commitment, I probably would have quit after the first book, even ignoring my two-book rule. I’m so glad I continued.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like it was a series worth continuing with! Wonderful review, Jonetta! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jennifer! I’m glad I hung in there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read the first 3 in this series but it’s YA, hard to keep me with it. Great review. You make me want to come back along for the next 3 books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Anne! According to those who’ve read the series, the next in the reading order is the prequel series, The Infernal Devices so that’s what’s up next. Then we return to this series.
LikeLike
I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying this series. I’ve read the first book but need to keep going, especially since it sounds like it just gets better and better. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you💜 I thought so, Suzanne. I had a tough time putting this one down.
LikeLike
Great review Jonetta. This is a series that I really want to read, or perhaps I should listen to them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Carla! The series had a rough start but evened out by this book.
LikeLiked by 1 person