The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

SeymourPats · Dec 17, 2010

I finished the trilogy recently and I'm wondering what other people thought.

I thought the pacing was fantastic - it was like getting caught in a tornado. I also thought her dialogue was great and funny.

However, there seemed to be a lot that was derivative of Harry Potter. I know that nothing is entirely "new", but the whole girl thinks she's normal but is really a key part of a secret demon-fighting society that protects the earth and that mundanes can't see seemed an awful lot like boy thinks he's normal but is really a key part of a secret magical society that protects the earth and that muggles can't see.

I also found the whole are we siblings or in love thing really off-putting. But I suppose it was a new twist on the love triangle!

mellymel · Dec 17, 2010

MY FAVORITE ALL TIME SERIES EVERRRRRRR...WITH MY ALL TIME FAVORITE CHARACTER (JACE) EVERRRRRRR.

seriously, don't even get me started on this series cause I won't stop. I LOVE TMI. Such great characters, great dialgoue, great story. Some of it I found a tiny bit predictable, but I have a tendency to figure things out early, so I don't attribute that to Cassandra. The only thing I didn't like was her tendency to sometimes go overboard on details. But that's a style preference and just not my thing as I felt that was the one thing that sometimes slowed the pace and I actually found myself skimming those parts to get back to the dialogue and to Jace. Screw the sparkle boy and dog, I AM ALL ABOUT TEAM JACE. Oh and the story was optioned for a movie. HYPERVENTILATE. God, I hope they make the movies they will be sooooooooooooo good!

SeymourPats · Dec 17, 2010

Mellymel: I definitely agree about Jace, I thought he was a great character! I wasn't a big fan of Simon (but he was a good character as far as third wheels go). But you weren't weirded out at all by the maybe sibling bit?

mellymel · Dec 17, 2010

Yeah, I actually liked Simon when he was all geeky before he became super hot vampire boy. But Jace, wow. Cassandra did such an amazing job in the development of his characters and his dialogue. I mean, I had some serious LOL moments while reading that book. She had an amazing way of making him so cocky and full of himself and yet I found myself loving that most about him. She managed to balance that just right. I also LOVED Isabelle and where she went with the whole Alec story. It did have a HP feel to it and I remember thinking that when I was reading it, but more so with the Valentine character than anything. Seriously, I don't think this book has gotten the hype it deserves and I think it could end up being the next "Twilight" in terms of success once that whole thing dies down. I just think this offered so much more than Twilight because of the romantic tension between Clary and Jace. I know my one friend who read the series, per my push, had a real issue with the story between them. It really weirded her out. Not me because *MAJOR SPOILER ALERT* Highlight to read. I knew there was no way they could be sister and brother because I refused to believe that CC would have put incest into her book, so I figured out that in the end they would not be related in anyway and I was thus able to enjoy the story and looked forward to the outcome.

mellymel · Dec 17, 2010

ummm...okay, trying to figure out why they moved this thread but not the hunger games one?

SeymourPats · Dec 17, 2010

Not sure why it moved. Oh well. I had guessed the ending as well, for the same reason. But it still creeped me out a little. I would have liked that settled before the third book began. But I am excited about the fourth book, which comes out this winter.

I loved her characters too. I think characters and pacing were the two strongest features of the book. I loved Jace, and I think she did a great job with the romantic tension. I liked Alec a lot too.

The HP similarity that gave me the most pause was the muggle/mundane similarity and the fact that muggles/mundanes can't see the secret world.

mellymel · Dec 17, 2010

Yeah, that's true. forgot about that. there was a strong similarity there, but I was so lost in the characters in this story and all the side plots that the HP similarity didn't sit with me too long.

I don't know, the whole Jace/Clary thing didn't creep me out. Not sure if that makes me a sicko or what? Just knowing that it couldn't possibly be, I was able to read the story as though that story line didn't even exist. Can't really explain it. As I said, my friend was very (in her words) "disturbed" by it. Maybe because she has brothers and I don't? I don't know. *shrugs*

Sarah Madara · Dec 17, 2010

I loved loved loved this trilogy.

And that's really a huge compliment because the brother/sister thing really did creep me out. I knew they couldn't possibly be brother and sister in the end (I just kept telling myself, it's YA and there's an incest theme?, I mean, come on...she's going to deal with this, oh please, let her deal with this soon...). Anyway, I wanted it over and done with faster. The second book was particularly painful, with the issue unresolved through the whole book.

I thought all the characters were great, I loved the multiple 3rd that let me get in different heads. And it was just a fun ride.

schadenfreude · Dec 18, 2010

This series was my guilty pleasure. (Not really a trilogy, book four comes out next year)

I finished CITY OF GLASS this morning.

Can you say satisfying wrap-up? I actually posted a review on my blog (link in sig)

The brother/sister thing really creeped me out, maybe because I have a brother. Like Sarah, I knew they wouldn't really turn out to be brother and sister, but when Clare kept delaying it, I was getting really worried. I liked how she handled it though, how the eventual bloodlines ended up heading. I was just waiting for Jocelyn to go, "Oh wait! I forgot. I slept with Luke. Dad, meet daughter."

The multiple 3rd was definitely enjoyable. But I'd have to disagree guys, Alec and Magnus were my favourites - particularly Magnus. I did prefer pre-vamp Simon and I really enjoyed Jace's developments.

Parametric · Dec 18, 2010

I never believed for a moment that Clary and Jace were related. That pairing had OFFICIAL COUPLE stamped all over it from the first time they met. The trilogy was never going to end with anything but a happy ending for Clary and Jace.

mellymel · Dec 18, 2010

Parametric said:
I never believed for a moment that Clary and Jace were related. That pairing had OFFICIAL COUPLE stamped all over it from the first time they met. The trilogy was never going to end with anything but a happy ending for Clary and Jace.

Exactly. And as Sarah said (and I did) there was no way that CC was going to have a real incest theme going on in a YA book. It just wouldn't have sat well. I mean, she barely got away with she did for some people. I agree waiting to find out was torture, but man, that scene with the fairies, when she makes Jace and Clary kiss...I'm sorry, but that was H O T. That was the moment I KNEW they were not related and that CC would have a good resolution to the sibling situation.

AlwaysJuly · Dec 18, 2010

I loved Mortal Instruments too. I can see some HP comparisons but, really, HP can be compared to other stories that came before it too, right? (I may be biased as I much prefer TMI to HP - just personal taste).

I really liked the maybe-incest angle. I thought it was interesting and just a little bit risky. I was also pretty sure as I was reading that, a la Veronica Mars and that maybe-incest angle, it would all work out for them.

AlwaysJuly · Dec 18, 2010

schadenfreude said:
The multiple 3rd was definitely enjoyable. But I'd have to disagree guys, Alec and Magnus were my favourites - particularly Magnus. I did prefer pre-vamp Simon and I really enjoyed Jace's developments.

OMG, MAGNUS! I loved him. I was thrilled every time he entered a scene - the subplot between him and Alec was definitely a highlight of TMI for me.

bethany · Dec 18, 2010

Yeah, I don't know why this was moved, I think TMI has had less adult crossover than Hunger Games.

I recently used a large excerpt with my creative writing class to show good third person narration that was appealing and fast paced. It's a great example of getting the heart of YA fiction into third person...

I didn't love the first book the first time I read it (liked, didn't love) but after reading the second two which I did love, I think I might re-read the whole series when the fourth one comes out. Also enjoyed Clockwork Angel.

mellymel · Dec 18, 2010

But from what I understand, the fourth one coming out isn't a continuation of the store per se, right? It's going to be told from Simon's pov and it's going to be more of HIS Story, though I think I read that Clary and Jace will make an appearance

. Hope the story is really good, or I might just find myself skimming through the book to read the jace and clary scenes cause God knows I sure miss that hot, smart ass, ass kicking, cocky son of a bitch

roseangel · Dec 18, 2010

SeymourPats said:
The HP similarity that gave me the most pause was the muggle/mundane similarity and the fact that muggles/mundanes can't see the secret world.

The similarity issue might also be due to the fact the author started out writing Harry Potter fanfiction, (Draco trilogy is hers...)
She gained a pretty big following in the fandom.

schadenfreude · Dec 18, 2010

mellymel said:
But from what I understand, the fourth one coming out isn't a continuation of the store per se, right? It's going to be told from Simon's pov and it's going to be more of HIS Story, though I think I read that Clary and Jace will make an appearance . Hope the story is really good, or I might just find myself skimming through the book to read the jace and clary scenes cause God knows I sure miss that hot, smart ass, ass kicking, cocky son of a bitch

There was an excerpt put up on EW, but it was easier to read on Mundie Source, here. It looks pretty Simon-centric to me, but I also found something in Clare's FAQ.

Here she says that it'll still shift POV between Jace, Clary and Simon, though I think there are two different plots, the Jace and Clary, and the Simon. She also says there'll be POV with Isabelle and Magnus (squee - Magnus!) So these last three books are the aftermath of what just happened.

What else can I give you. Here's the plot synopsis I got from the FAQ:

City of Fallen Angels takes place about eight weeks after the events of City of Glass. It continues the story begun in City of Bones, while also starting a new story, with new challenges and a new enemy to beset our protagonists. All the core characters from the Mortal Instruments series appear in it: Jace, Isabelle, Clary, Simon, Alec, Magnus, Luke, Jocelyn, Maia, and many more. (It even helps to have read The Clockwork Angel before you read CoFA, because some of the characters from the ID series do show up in it. However, it isn’t required.) City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever. Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels (release date: 4/5/2011).

Have you guys seen the book cover? Or that Clary got cast for the movie?

mellymel · Dec 18, 2010

schadenfreude said:
There was an excerpt put up on EW, but it was easier to read on Mundie Source, here. It looks pretty Simon-centric to me, but I also found something in Clare's FAQ.

Here she says that it'll still shift POV between Jace, Clary and Simon, though I think there are two different plots, the Jace and Clary, and the Simon. She also says there'll be POV with Isabelle and Magnus (squee - Magnus!) So these last three books are the aftermath of what just happened.

What else can I give you. Here's the plot synopsis I got from the FAQ:

Have you guys seen the book cover? Or that Clary got cast for the movie?

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE O.M.Goodness!!! I can't believe they've begun casting. It makes it all feel so real now! And the book cover is Oh kay. Would have liked to have seen something a little more unique. Seems a little lazy to me, but probably just me. *shrugs*

schadenfreude · Dec 19, 2010

mellymel said:
And the book cover is Oh kay. Would have liked to have seen something a little more unique. Seems a little lazy to me, but probably just me. *shrugs*

I didn't like how all of a sudden they're showing faces? I mean, they've done three from the shoulders down.

mellymel · Dec 19, 2010

schadenfreude said:
I didn't like how all of a sudden they're showing faces? I mean, they've done three from the shoulders down.

I agree...I HATE faces on my covers. I mean, don't impose YOUR image of a character on me. Let me create my own, thank you very much. Although honestly, if the book is really good, I can usually ignore the image and still create my own. It's one thing to have the movie come out and then have the actors on the cover (which honestly I don't even really like), but I don't know, I'm more disappointed that they took what already exists and just slapped it on the new cover with a couple of additions. They couldn't come up with something a little more unique?

mellymel · Dec 19, 2010

schadenfreude said:
There was an excerpt put up on EW, but it was easier to read on Mundie Source, here. It looks pretty Simon-centric to me, but I also found something in Clare's FAQ.

Here she says that it'll still shift POV between Jace, Clary and Simon, though I think there are two different plots, the Jace and Clary, and the Simon. She also says there'll be POV with Isabelle and Magnus (squee - Magnus!) So these last three books are the aftermath of what just happened.

What else can I give you. Here's the plot synopsis I got from the FAQ:

Have you guys seen the book cover? Or that Clary got cast for the movie?

Okay, just re-read your post and somehow I missed this!!! Wow, this book will be great then. Can. Not. Wait.

SeymourPats · Dec 19, 2010

mellymel said:
Okay, just re-read your post and somehow I missed this!!! Wow, this book will be great then. Can. Not. Wait.

There are going to be three more books??? I thought this one was the last. I'm not sure if I'm happier with three more (as much as I like the characters). Sometimes an author seems to drag out a series and I'd hate for that to happen here.

I've read that there will be two distinct stories in this next book, one focusing on Simon and one on Jace and Clary (I read something about a mystery that is make it or break it for their relationship). She also said the supporting characters, like Alec, Isabella and Magnus will be featured (I didn't think they would have their own POV story though, but I could definitely have misunderstood the blurb I read).

mellymel · Dec 19, 2010

Was just on her site and found this : http://www.mortalinstruments.com/books.php

Looks like there will be two more books after this next one: City of Lost Souls and City of Heavenly Fire. Yeah, not sure how i'm feeling about that. sigh If they're as good as these books were, I'll totally get into it. I just hope she doesn't end up dragging the story out to the point it just becomes silly. kwim?

SeymourPats · Dec 23, 2010

mellymel said:
Was just on her site and found this : http://www.mortalinstruments.com/books.php

Looks like there will be two more books after this next one: City of Lost Souls and City of Heavenly Fire. Yeah, not sure how i'm feeling about that. sigh If they're as good as these books were, I'll totally get into it. I just hope she doesn't end up dragging the story out to the point it just becomes silly. kwim?

Yeah, there's always that danger with a successful series. I didn't think the Harry Potter books dragged at all, but other series have gotten bogged down and stale.

These three books could be great, if she keeps up the fast-pacing and fun dialogue (I suspect she will, since that's her style). There is so much in the world she created, she can definitely spin the books in new directions. I think that would keep the series fresh and new. If the stories continue in the same direction, I think three might drag a bit.

I hope all the main characters are featured in each one. I hope the relationships evolve too (I don't think Jace and Clary can sustain three more will-they-or-won't-they plotlines).

eward · Dec 27, 2010

This is one of those series that I read through so fast, but in the end, it didn't really stay with me. It was a good read, and she's good with dialogue and keeping up the fast pace. I'll definitely see the movie - Lily Collins should be awesome as Clary - and probably read the next trilogy or however many books she's planning on writing.

Unfortunately, I hardly remember it. I remember character names and sorta how they're connected to each other, but I don't feel like there was anything important that stuck with me.

And it is SO much like Harry Potter. I know we've already talked about this, but even the characters are the same. Clary = Ginny (or even Lily with her green eyes), Jace = Draco. It's also a lot like Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. When I read that book, I was like, 'Holy moly, this is the Mortal Instruments with better writing!'

I'm happy for her success and all, but I can't wait until she starts writing something original that actually stays with me later on.

The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

SeymourPats

mellymel

SeymourPats

mellymel

mellymel

SeymourPats

mellymel

Sarah Madara

Freeway stomper extraordinaire

schadenfreude

good with salt

Parametric

mellymel

AlwaysJuly

slugging through

AlwaysJuly

slugging through

bethany

:)

mellymel

roseangel

Crazy Young Cat Lady

schadenfreude

good with salt

mellymel

schadenfreude

good with salt

mellymel

mellymel

SeymourPats

mellymel

SeymourPats

eward