So, this is actually gonna be a bit of a mix-up of my thoughts of the movie/novel. I’m going to try to do this without any real spoilers, because I think that anyone who hasn’t read this novel should. It was honestly wonderful; I can tell (I’ve heard from other people doing reviews) that this is one of Cassandra’s earlier novels. But still, the language, the descriptions, the emotion that she coveys is all done rather well. I think that she did a wonderful job developing the characters in a way that made us, as the readers, care deeply for them.
The storyline does seem to go a bit slow, I’ll give it that, but it’s still something worth reading. I just sat down and devoured the last hundred and fifty pages that I had left in about an hour… so it’s certainly worth the read, as far as I’m concerned. In a world with demons and werewolves and vampires and Shadowhunters, how can you get bored?
Of course, there’s the entire romantic aspect of it – I don’t want to touch too much on that, again… but let me just say that it was wonderful, and that I was cheering in my head for it to go on, to develop. The author is a tease, and I’ll leave it at that.
I think, as far as the characters go, it was extremely well done.
Clary seems to grow throughout the book – from living in the mortal world to learning about the world of the shadow hunters, and the developments that happen through the progression of the storyline. And Jace.. oh… I am a fangirl, I’ll admit it. I loved seeing his character, watching him open up, watching him fall in love… and then the developments at the end of the book. I think his character was extremely well done. For both of these characters, I honestly can’t wait to get into the next novel so I can see how their development furthers.
Simon though… I didn’t think I was going to like him, but I couldn’t seem to help myself. He’s so quippy and clever and he always has these one-liners that make me laugh outloud.
Alec and Isabelle, of course, were great as well. I’m hoping to see much more of them in the next novels.
Valentine – I liked him soooooo much more in the novel than I did in the movie. I think he was much more well done – clever, smooth, intelligent, charming… perfect. Again, I don’t want to get into it too much, because I’m trying to make this a spoiler free review.
Overall, I’d say that the novel did an amazing job; great character development, a rich world that has so much more to explore in the following novels, and a great setup for a series that I’m anxious to continue delving into!
Now then, my thoughts on the movie in relation to the novel: there were some changes that I didn’t agree with. There was a tiny part of me screaming whyyyyyyyyy!!! But at the same time, the movie is pretty good, in my opinion. I watched it before I read the novel on purpose, so that I could enjoy the plot without having previous expectations for what was going to happen. The biggest difference is the endings… that’s where the movie and book kind of took two different paths. However, if they come out with the second film, I think they’ll do a good job of fixing it up. I can’t wait to see.
So… overall rating?
Novel 7.5/10 with room to grow as the series progresses!
Movie 7/10 – worth seeing, even if you haven’t read the books, or have no intention to!
Sorry for the shorter review, I’m typing it up with still no internet and just trying to get it out and about so that I can feel like I’m being active on my blog again xD More thoughts later, maybe I’ll do a more spoiler-filled review/thoughts on the series as I progress!
Until next time, keep reading and writing!
Author Amanda McCormick
Author Amanda McCormick 
Reblogged this on bookinlaws.