My book review of City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare.
Title: City of Lost Souls
By: Cassandra Clare
Genre: Paranormal
Pages: 535
Release Date: May 8th, 2012
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Summary from Goodreads:
The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon.
What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.
Review:
City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare is the fifth installment in the Mortal Instruments series, continuing the thrilling journey of Clary Fray and her friends in their battle against dark forces. As with the previous books, Clare's talent for creating a vivid and immersive urban fantasy world is evident. The book is filled with high stakes, intricate plot twists, and intense character dynamics, making it a gripping read for fans of the genre.
However, despite these strengths, the book is marred by a recurring and unsettling theme: the author's apparent fascination with incestuous relationships. This element has been present since the earlier books in the series but becomes more pronounced in City of Lost Souls. The romantic entanglements between characters who believe they are siblings, and the resultant angst and turmoil, are central to the plot. While some may argue that this adds a layer of complexity to the story, it often feels unnecessary and discomforting.
The portrayal of Jace and Clary's relationship, in particular, is problematic. Their belief that they are brother and sister for a significant portion of the series adds a troubling dimension to their romance. Even when the truth about their lineage is revealed, the lingering impact of this plot device leaves a sour taste. It's a narrative choice that detracts from the overall enjoyment of the book and raises questions about the need for such a theme in a young adult series.
Additionally, the pacing of City of Lost Souls can be uneven at times. While the action scenes are well-executed and thrilling, the story occasionally gets bogged down in melodrama and repetitive internal conflicts. Some subplots feel underdeveloped, and the resolution of certain story arcs can be unsatisfying.
In conclusion, City of Lost Souls has its merits, particularly in Clare's imaginative world-building and character development. However, the author's persistent use of incestuous themes and the uneven pacing detract from the overall experience. Fans of the series may find enough to enjoy, but for others, these issues may overshadow the book's strengths.
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