In a world filled with stories and legends, what would you do if all the stories were true? Welcome to the World of Shadow hunters.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan SA Kids for gifting me a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I wanted to hate this book, and this series, and this fandom, but I can’t. The story line although somewhat predictable, had me blazing through this book in no time. Following the story of Cordelia, James, Lucie and Matthew, we follow the next generation after the clockwork wars as they face enemies within and outside of the clave. After several years of peace, demons have returned to London and this time all the rules have changed. There is more to the story than immediately meets the eye, and in true Cassandra Clare form, this book has left me wanting, pining for more
“There is no better distraction in this world than losing oneself in books for a while.”
Cassandra Clare, Chain of Gold
I love that the atmosphere is so captivating, the writing is vivid. This book literally came to life for me. Clare has created the perfect balance between era accurate language use and modern day issues. Resulting in a witty and empowering read. Whether you’re 15 or 50, you’ll wind up loving this series.
Clare created a phenomenal world that spans over several generations, managing to create intrigue and mystery that differs in every generation. Although the End of the World looms in every series, but the HOW differs in such a creative way. Bringing to life London of days past, I have found myself daydreaming about some of the glorious scenes. Minus the brutal attacks, although give me Cortana and I’ll join in the fight.
“The point of stories is not that they are objectively true, but that the soul of the story is truer than reality. Those who mock fiction do so because they fear the truth.”
Cassandra Clare, Chain of Gold
Characters are unapologetically fierce in their uniqueness. Although unrealistic due to age in my opinion, these characters are great role models in their own way. I love the characters, the wit and quotes. The sarcastic ones and the loving ones. Even the villains are deliciously complex. These books are so well written, and this one is no exception. I can’t wait to see what Clare has in store for the rest of this trilogy
I read these books out of order, ending with this one. And honestly it didn’t make much of a difference. The only one I would recommend you read before this Infernal Devices series, as it lands chronologically before this one. But in terms of the rest, don’t worry you can catch up later.
Trigger warnings: Violence, Alcohol abuse, Emotional abuse
Although there is nothing quite like this phenomenal series on the market, I do think it’s worth checking out the Vampire Academy. There are various elements to this story that might appeal towards different readers, there’s literally something in here for everyone
About the Book:
Love cuts deeper than any blade.
Cordelia Carstairs is a Shadow hunter, a warrior trained since childhood to battle demons. When she arrives in London, she encounters childhood friends James and Lucie Herondale and is drawn into their world of glittering ballrooms and supernatural salons. All the while, she must hide her secret love for James, who is sworn to marry someone else. But Cordelia’s new life is blown apart when demon attacks devastate London. Trapped in the city, Cordelia and her friends discover that a dark legacy has gifted them with incredible powers – and a brutal choice will reveal the true cruel price of being a hero.
About the Author:
Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiancé and their two cats in Massachusetts.
Reading Caffeinated 