Hello Readers, welcome back to my blog.

This is the third book in the mortal instruments series.

SUMMARY

Amid the chaos of war, the Shadowhunters must decide to fight with the vampires, werewolves and other Downworlders – or against them.

Meanwhile, Jace and Clary have their own decision to make: should they pursue the love they know is forbidden?

This is the second book I am reading after my hiatus ended in January this year.

We are back after the fight on the boat with Valentine and Clary’s miraculous talent that saved more lives than the Clave would care to acknowledge. Clary needs to lift the spell on her mother and only Ragnor Fell knows how to do it, he will only speak to Clary Jocelyn’s daughter. A trip to Idris is required – the homeland of the Shadowhunters.

Jace has lost trust in the Clave after the behaviour of the last Inquisitor even if he doesn’t want to admit it at first, he can see through the deception of the Clave. He doesn’t want the Clave to find out about Clary’s talent because he knows they will not act in her best interest. He does all he can to prevent Clary from going to Idris.

Clary as a character has always annoyed me and she continues to annoy me – great consistency. She cannot see past what she wants to do for her loved ones and although she has the best intentions she is too reckless for my liking. And although it was for the right reason Jace told her exactly how disastrous her decision making skills is in the wrong setting. Clary’s defence? That not all her decisions have had bad outcomes. I mean talk about insane, that’s just my personal opinion no one has to share the same views.

The Clave are true to form though, looking for innocent people to take blame for Valentine’s actions because they are all scared to face Valentine. They keep giving the Inquisitor job to disturbed people who eventually die horribly. The previous Inquisitor was insane with grief and vengeance, this new one seems like there is a screw lose in his head and it only takes the wrong word or action to trigger him.

My favourite quote

Simon sighed. “People aren’t born good or bad. Maybe they’re born with tendencies either way, but it’s the way you live your life that matters. And the people you know. Valentine was Hodge’s friend, and I don’t think Hodge really had anyone else in his life to challenge him or make him be a better person. If I’d had that life, I don’t know how I would have turned out but I didn’t. I have my family. And I have you.”

I really agree with Simon when he says people aren’t born good or bad. I believe it is the choices you make and your outlook on life that makes the person. Although I am not disputing the fact that circumstances and the people around you can influence your choices but that doesn’t change the fact that you are responsible for your choices and actions. This quote shows that Simon has really grown as a person, he is more insightful and has a better understanding of people’s motivations. I feel like he is evolving while Clary really hasn’t changed much. In fact she is fighting so much for things to remain the same.

Clary and Jace go through most of this book believing that they are siblings and trying but failing to suppress the love they have for each other. Which serves Valentine’s purpose well, everyone focuses on the fact that Jace is Valentine’s son not knowing his biological son is far more dangerous and has always been by his side. Jace finally finds out his parentage, he has gone through so many changes of last names. Those who sacrifice all the good things in their life are never satisfied when they reach their destination, there is always a sense of loss for the things you have given up. This is what Valentine faces, he sacrificed everything for his cause and what did it get him? Read the book to find out.