Audiobook Review: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Title:  City of Lost Souls
Author:  Cassandra Clare
Narrator:  Molly C. Quinn
Series:  5th book in The Mortal Instruments series
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Audio
Publication Date:  May 8, 2012
Source:  purchased audiobook
Purchase:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon.

Can the lost be reclaimed? What price is too high to pay for love?

Who can be trusted when sin and salvation collide?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge.

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

I don’t know what more I can say about these books that I haven’t already said in previous reviews.  The characters are well-defined with unique motivations.  The imagery is beautiful, even when it’s used to describe horrifying things.  And the plot, as always, is full of twists and turns.  It’s one unpredictable event after another.  That, or I’ve just given up trying to guess at what’s going to happen, and so I’m shocked at every turn.  Either way, me likey.

I know everyone is ready to see Sebastian finished off, but honestly, I really liked the insight we got into his character in CoLS.  Yes, we already knew he was creepy and murderous and a bit incestuous, but we thought that was all Valentine’s influence…or at least I did.  But now?  That guy is evil on a whole other level than I expected.  Should have seen it coming, right?  Maybe.  But Sebastian has more than proven he’s a psychopath hell-bent on destroying the Shadowhunters and everything they stand for.

Good thing Clary’s not going to let that happen.  Sure, she has to go along with things for awhile, earn Sebastian’s confidence and trust, but she’s not going to go down without a fight, especially when Jace’s life is on the line, as well.  And she’s still got all of her friends working on a solution, even while they deal with their own plethora of personal problems.

As for Jace, well, I missed his sarcastic banter and witty retorts, his self-proclaimed “rapier wit”.  He was so docile in this installment that for a moment, I actually liked Sebastian’s character over his.  At least Sebastian had passion and fortitude, even if his goals were lofty and maniacal.  Jace gets a chance to redeem himself in the end, though, and that’s all that matters, right?  He really earns that LIGHTwood name, doesn’t he?  Hehe.

I think Molly Quinn did an amazing job with the audio.  There is such a vast group of characters in these novels, and though it might have been slightly better had there been a male narrator at certain times, her portrayal of Clary was everything I thought it should be.  This is the first time I’ve listened to one of the books in this series, but I’m convinced Molly Quinn is the right woman for the job.  (I actually thought she'd be great as Clary in the movie, but apparently the casting peeps didn't feel the same way.  :C )

You should know by now whether you’re a fan of this series, but just in case …you are.  What’s not to like about it?  The heroine is a head-strong, fiery red-head.  The love interest is most definitely swoon-worthy.  A nerdy yet loyal best friend.  Vampires, werewolves, warlocks, crazy demon-invoking spells involving blood.  See?  :D

Oh, and in case you’ve been stuck under a rock and haven’t started this series yet, City of Bones, the first book, is only $0.99 for Kindle and Nook right now!  Get it while it’s cheap, people!

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