All seems well now that the Mortal Wars are over. Everyone is back in New York going forward with their lives in harmony…until they don’t. Clary is training to be a Shadowhunter and is now openly in a relationship with Jace. Her mother, Jocelyn, is preparing to wed Luke. Alex and Magnus Bane are doing well. Simon, however, is in a dilemma. He’s dating both Isabelle and Maia but they don’t know about the other. And, he’s got problems at home with his mother (who kicks him out) as well as being in the middle of a tug-of-war between Rafael and Camille. Jace suffers awful nightmares and inexplicably begins to pull way from Clary. Meanwhile, Shadowhunters are being killed and no one knows by whom or why. There are other troublesome things happening that don’t seem related but…
The bones of this story are really, really good. It’s the execution of it that left me struggling. It’s tough going through dialogue between 16-year olds that feels endless and pointless until they reach the heart of the matter. It was if the action was mired in the midst of all of this as a secondary element instead of the reverse. When the story finally shifts focus to more substantive matters, I had a hard time leaving the book.
I also had some issues with the narrators. Ed Westwick tends to mumble, which works for Jace’s taciturn personality but was terrible for Simon’s more optimistic disposition. He just never fit. Molly Quinn just sounded too young to manage all of the female voices. She even made Clary sound like she was thirteen. I still prefer the audio format but this combination was problematic for me.
It’s a really good story that took too long to tell. Too much unnecessary dialogue and details when an inspired tale waited in the wings. I also liked seeing some connections to The Infernal Devices series! The ending was spectacular with all sorts of implications for the future. Despite my issues, I’m looking forward to what’s next.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 5, 2011
- Series: The Mortal Instruments #4
- Narrators: Ed Westwick, Molly C. Quick
- Audio Length: 12 hours, 39 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
I’m so glad you loved the spectacular ending, Jonetta!!! Some books do take a bit too long but that doesn’t make them not great 💕💕
That’s it exactly, Mackenzie! When I got to the end, I was excited about the next book so that means something. Yes, I had some tedium but I also had a good time.
I listened to the first three, so this one is coming up next🤗 All her books seem a bit on the long side. Great review, Jo!💜
Thanks, Toni! It’s a really good story but just takes some patience. Enjoy!
This sounds like a mixed experience. A narrator which doesn’t suit the story and/or the characters can really lower the overall impression. I had a similar experience recently. Great review though, I like that you keep a balanced view even if you did not enjoy all aspects of the story.
Thanks, Stargazer! You’ve nailed my experience💜
It sounds like this one never quite hit the right notes, which is a shame, as I think you’ve enjoyed this series.
I’ve had my ups and downs but mostly ups. By the time I got halfway through the story, it finally found its way and true voice. It helps when it ends so strongly.
Yeah, if it ends okay, then we can kind of forgive the dip in the middle, or missteps. 😀
I was watching the series on Netflix…
Did you like it?
I did at the beginning then stopped…
I’ve seen mixed reviews for the series.
I also enjoy how well balanced and thoughtful your reviews are, Jonetta. I hope you love the next installment! ♥️
Thank you, Jennifer💜 That’s high praise from someone who I believe writes some of the best reviews I’ve ever seen.
Aww, Jonetta, you are far too kind. I am not worthy. You are a smoother, more skilled and thoughtful writer than I am. We could probably do this back and forth all day. ♥️ You are the best and I thank you for your friendship!
I have not ventured into this series and I am not sure if I will. I do not like overlong books (I think that is my ADD). I like that you have pluses and minuses, but overall like the series and will continue. Too bad the narrators were not the best fit. Enjoy the next one when you get to it and I hope it is more of a plus for you, Jonetta.
Thanks, Carla! I love long books on audio (normally) as I tend to get through them quicker. This one was tougher mainly because of my issues with the narrators. I haven’t looked to see if they’re the same for the next one😏
That would certainly determine if I would listen to the next one.
One of these days, I will get to these books. Your review is excellent and makes me want to start this one now.
Thank you, Marialyce! I’m enjoying the series.
I read the first 3 and enjoyed them despite all the wild changes. For some reason I never got to this one. I was for Jace & Clary so if they are together I would like this more. I think I’ll keep with reading if I get back to it. Wonderful review.
Thanks, Anne! We’re in the home stretch now.