Bad enough that Lilith orchestrated Sebastian’s return but she also bound Jace to him. They’ve disappeared and the Clave is looking for both of them. However, killing one kills the other so the solution isn’t easy. Meanwhile, Simon is dealing with his own family issues following his mother’s reaction in learning he’s now a vampire. He’s also being courted by both Raphael and Camille, each having an agenda. Magnus and Alec are trying to find their way and Isabelle struggles with her feelings for Simon and the perceived threat to her independence.
I have really mixed feelings about this story so I let it simmer for a day. I loved every time the story shifted to Simon and it really worked that it opened with him. His journey is raw and honest as he wears his emotions outwardly and he never even pretends to know the answers. His honesty and naïveté is refreshing, even when he does boneheaded things as it’s borne out of his well developed characterization. Same for Alec and Magnus given the former’s immaturity in relationships and newfound sexuality and the latter’s immortality. Even the phenomenon involving Jace and Sebastian was fascinating as it offered a contrasting view of both.
Where I tired was with Clary and her interactions with the two Jace’s and Sebastian. Even I could tell which was in charge at any moment. Sebastian’s behavior towards Clary was offputting and I don’t know what it added to the overall story arc. One narrator was used for the book and she made absolutely no character distinctions. She also happens to be the one who sounds like a 13-year old so imagine every character sounding this young. It definitely affected my absorption of the story. Every time the point of view transitioned, I had to listen carefully to determine who was narrating, often having to rewind.
Bottom line, I mostly enjoyed the story but not the overall reading experience. It was ~17 hours long so listening to a flawed narrator, IMO, made this less satisfying. I’m ready for the series finale!
Book Info
- Release Date: May 8, 2012
- Series: The Mortal Instruments #5
- Narrator: Molly C. Quinn
- Audio Length: 16 hours, 59 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Blue Mood Café 
Great review! I’m glad you’re still enjoying this series 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Nen & Jen! Yes, despite my issues, I’m in it for the long haul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck! Can’t wait to see your following reviews on it 🙏💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thoughtful review, Jonetta! Hopefully the finale narrator is different. I hope it wraps up well too! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jennifer! I must not have been the only one complaining about the narrator because the final book has two great narrators! I’m excited.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review, Jonetta! I remember this series was all over the place for me. It started weak, got better, then lagged again. I stuck with it though. 😂 Hope you enjoy the finale! 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Darinda! That pretty much sums up my experience😏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear this one wasn’t narrated as good as it could of been. Nothing worse that a lacklustre performance, especially when it’s audio.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was painful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear, *that* bad?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The narration? For me, yes. I don’t believe it was just me as she was replaced in the last book. I listened to a sample and it’s SO much better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had mixed feelings about the series too. The story was interesting and there were some great characters such as Simon but I found Clary and Jace annoying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are in absolute agreement! Their relationship nonsense just wore me down.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t wait to get started on this series! Think I’ll stick to the book format though, if the audio isn’t up to scratch 😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicola, the narrators change throughout the series. This is the second that was problematic but all the others, including The Infernal Devices, were just fine. The books are so long (more than 500 pages) I found listening easier.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fab review! That does sound like a very long listen… I kind of gave up on the series after City of Ashes. xD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Yvo! I’ve liked the series, just not all the Jace/Clary drama. I’m glad I hung in there. And, it’s a group read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes it’s just time for a series to end and I hope this one ends well for you, Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too, Marialyce! It could have ended with #3 but….
LikeLike
I read the first 3 of these and then didn’t get any farther. Maybe someday. I was reading not listening so I’ll keep the narration in mind if I think about going back to the series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Overall, I’ve pretty much enjoyed the audio experience, just not this one. I’m not super picky but when it’s this seriously flawed…
LikeLike