City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments, #6) in Q&A with Cassandra Clare

Sep 24, 2010 Joyzi marked it as to-read

Shelves: author-american, book-series, vampires, paranormal-romance, fiction, ya-books, fantasy

9.2013

*still hyperventilating -- CRAP, need to find a brown bag first*

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Dec 17, 2010 Ekram rated it it was ok

Shelves: ya, urban-fantasy, romance, 50-of-2014

Cassandra is every publisher's dream. Fast writing that pulls you in and sells so well, stories interweaving within series so one feels like you have to read them ALL to know all the details, maddening, but a wonderful marketing strategy. This ended with a lovely bow atop everyone's stories and not so subtle hints of where the loose ends would lead--another probably best selling series. ...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Victoria rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It's so very, very surreal to have finished this book at last. I remember back when I first read City of Glass several years ago, the news had just come out that Cassandra Clare was going to add three more books to the Mortal Instruments series, and I was thrilled that I wasn't going to have to say goodbye to Clary, Jace, Simon, Alec, Isabelle, Magnus, and the rest just yet. And now here I am again, at the real end of their story, and it feels just like the best series ends should; deeply satisf It's so very, very surreal to have finished this book at last. I remember back when I first read City of Glass several years ago, the news had just come out that Cassandra Clare was going to add three more books to the Mortal Instruments series, and I was thrilled that I wasn't going to have to say goodbye to Clary, Jace, Simon, Alec, Isabelle, Magnus, and the rest just yet. And now here I am again, at the real end of their story, and it feels just like the best series ends should; deeply satisfying, with just a flicker of loss and nostalgia.

As in City of Glass, the Shadowhunter country of Idris is the focal point for the final clash that is this entire book; all the conflicts of blood, family, relationship, loyalty, and humanity flow together. But this time the main enemy is Sebastian, and in a lot of ways he's scarier than Valentine ever was, because the characters and reader have gotten to know him through the narrative much more intimately. There's a lot of doubt, despair, and loss on a scale we haven't previously seen in these books. There are tricks and traps and horrific one-sided battles. And when the panicked and desperate Clave is unable to pull together to present a united front to Sebastian, Clary and her group will have to put all their faith in each other one more time, as they go to the demon realms themselves to confront Sebastian on the final stage.

There are a lot of great moments in the body of this book, more of them involving Emma and Julian than I would have expected, which is wonderful considering they'll be the stars of the next series. There are a few great and genuinely surprising twists, while others are not so well hidden. I'll say that some parts of the book probably could have been expanded and paced better (especially in the demon realms), but like the series-closer that was Clockwork Princess, it's such a perfect storm of emotion in the right places that I'm able to overlook the flaws.

But as its been from the beginning, it's the characters that truly shine, and the it's the characters that have allowed this series to take up such powerful residence in my heart. I wrote in my review of City of Glass that everyone kind of got their 'moment' - that happens here too. But they almost mean more, because of the extra growth everyone has been through, the extra doubt and failure and loss and triumph they've experienced along the way. It may sound strange, but I leave them with a feeling of so much love and pride in how far they've come - I'm just so thrilled with them all and the people they've become. But a special shout-out must go to Simon, who was my first favorite character, whose name Cassandra Clare signed herself into my copy of City of Bones because I told her that, and who traversed possibly the greatest roller coaster ride of the entire series with loyalty, good humor, courage, and an incredible, indomitable strength of spirit. I utterly loved how Simon's arc concluded, and I think he deserves it with all my heart.

And the cameos of Infernal Devices characters sprinkled here and there were heartwarming (and occasionally badass, see: Jem/Zachariah with chakrams!), as you at last understand and appreciate their history and the ways in which they feel tied to the characters of present day.

The last thing I felt this book did really right was the way that Clare began smoothly weaving the beginning threads of Emma, Julian, and the Blackthorns into this book. It provides a great foundation and makes me truly excited to see what the Dark Artifices series will bring. There are few things better for me as a reader than those first stirrings of curiosity and attachment towards great new characters. As touching and hopeful as the ending turned out to be, there are still plenty of questions and unresolved plot threads waiting to be addressed in the Shadowhunter world, and the setting of Los Angeles is much closer to what I'm familiar with!

So Ave atque vale to those who fell, the best of love and luck to those who fought through to their happy endings, and a heartfelt 'see you soon' to all the characters who will helm the next trilogy. I'll be waiting. ...more

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Aug 23, 2013 Likka Garcia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-own, series-challenge-2014

A satisfying conclusion to the series. Can't wait for the Dark Artifices. I want more shadowhunters because if you've read this book, you'll know that it isn't over yet. Words just wouldn't be enough to describe what I feel about this book right now. Scratch that. I meant this whole series!

(view spoiler)

OKAY, I J ...more

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Sep 05, 2011 Tatiana rated it it was amazing

Shelves: comments-reveiws, 2016, cass-clare, supernatural

Truly a masterpiece in the world of demons, vampires, Shadowhunters and faeries!!!! I have always been a cry baby when a series ends. I love this series from the very beginning. Cassandra Clare gave the young adults true meanings behind love, loss and live. I would recommend this book for all ages :). I loved everything and could feel the characters' emotions. I am super psyched about the next series!!! This last instalment of Mortal Instruments will never be forgotten by me and I will keep root ...more

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Jun 10, 2011 kimber rated it it was amazing

Shelves: all-time-faves

i loved this book so much. cassie clare sure knows how to wrap up a series (see also: the infernal devices). sad to say goodbye to some of my all-time favorite characters, as well as one of my favorite series, but i can't wait for the dark artifices and all the other shadowhunter series. :) ...more

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