Review: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

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.

After being disappointed while reading City of Fallen Angels, I didn't have super high expectations for City of Lost Souls...like at all. Thus the reason I waited practically a year to actually read it! But a few weeks ago I was so determined to read it; The Mortal Instruments was releasing so I thought, meh what the hell, let's read this! And well I regret waiting so long to read it! City of Lost Souls was so much better than I expected and was definitely a step up over City of Fallen Angels.

There was A LOT going on throughout the novel. So many added characters and so many things going on in the world of Shadowhunters. With Jace gone, Clary is a mess, leaving the rest of the clave in a mess. It's all so complicated. There is so much going on with the downworlders, and Clary's love for Jace. For the minor characters, there was a lot of growth throughout the novel.

Here's the rundown:

• Alec learns even more about Magnus, and it may not be for the best. 
• Isabelle is trying to find her place, and feel the love she lacks. *this one was the best* 
• Jordan and Maia finally dealing with their history and coming to amends? I guess that's what you could call it. 

and lastly

• Clary just dealing with her whole Jace deal. She's finally realizing her power, and well there is going to be something huge in the next book. I got a bit bored with Clary and Jace, yea they are THE Clary and Jace but after a while Clary just got really annoying. I am more preferential to so many of the other characters present in the novel.

With all the characters, the plot was fast paced and definitely kept you interested. Definitely better than City of Fallen Angels, the novel had more going on, and whatever went on had meaning. I guess the series just feels like it's sorta being dragged around in comparison to the first three novels. We all know the series could have ended there, but since it is being dragged out, it's not as good but it's still enjoyable. 

City of Lost Souls definitely had more going on in character development, and the setup for the last book was really well done. I can't wait to see what happens in City of Heavenly Fire with all that happened in City of Lost Souls. I can honestly say I want more Isabelle and Simon though! Those two are one of my OTPs and I love them to death. They are funny, cute, and have this relationship which you don't see in Clary and Jace. They way they both understand each other, and how they make the other feel is all too wonderful. 

All in all I was entertained, I didn't hate the book but it's definitely not one of my favorites. I loved the surprises and minor characters more than Jace and Clary, and I just wish this series was only the original three instead of the extended six...it's become somewhat of a drag. I am hoping that with the last book I'll find more closure and will be a lot happier. But if you are a TMI diehard fan like me, then well you'll enjoy it for the most part. For new readers, you'll love the beginning of the series, but I do recommend just reading the first three books, and don't read part of the ending of City of Glass so it feels like you read a complete trilogy. 

Rate: 3.5/5