It's been a long time since I've updated my blog here, and I thought that a beautiful (if slightly rainy) Saturday would be the perfect time. I don't want anyone to think that I've neglected my reading; I've just neglected my blog. Bad me. I have done lots of reading, but for some reason, nothing that I've read struck me as blog-worthy. I've decided that a series that I was introduced to not too long ago would make a good blog entry, so this post will be about angels and demons. Not Angels and Demons, the novel by Dan Brown, but angels and demons in general.
Cassandra Clare is the author of the series called The Mortal Instruments. She has written four books in the series so far, and there are more to come. These are YA novels, but they are quite well-written. In fact, it was one of my grade 10 students who introduced me to the series. I always want to stay current with what my students are reading, so I picked them up. I really enjoyed them. Cassandra Clare has created interesting and believable characters and a story that really flows.
The main premise of the series is that there are half-human, half-angel beings known as Nephilim, and their job is to protect humanity from demons. Our heroine, Clary, doesn't know that she's one of these Nephilim, so when demons come into her world, she's very surprised. What I really enjoy about the series is that Clare doesn't shy away from controversial topics. There is a hint of possible incest (are they or aren't they; will they or won't they) as well as a closeted gay character who eventually comes out. Strong female characters are also part of this series.
Is it perfect? No, of course not. I recently finished the fourth in the series City of Fallen Angels, and I was quite disappointed. I felt that the series should have been a trilogy, and then Clare could have moved on to something else. The conflicts seemed forced and the problems not quite as believable. I read a blog post that Clare wrote on goodreads.com, where she explained that she meant to do everything that I had a problem with, but to me, the fourth book reads like a money-making opportunity more than a true continuation of the series. Suddenly, instead of being a unique series, I'm finding hints of derivation. Now, Jace and Sebastian are linked and if one dies the other dies. Ummm, J.K. Rowling called - she wants her plot line back.
On a more positive note, I read the first of Clare's prequel series Clockwork Angel, and I was back to being a fan again. The characters are different for the most part, and this story is set in Victorian London. It's full of the Victorian character that I really like. Again, the problems and conflict seem much more organic; not forced as in City of Fallen Angels. I guess I'll just have to wait to see if she can keep this up. All in all, Cassandra Clare was a good discovery and I recommend her books to people who enjoy well-written fantasy novels.
