Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed City of Glass (Mortal Instruments, Bk 3) on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Reviewed by coollibrarianchick for TeensReadToo.com
I really have to stop reading books out by the pool. When I do this, especially with the good books, I forget about the thing called the "sun" and I end up getting roasted. I should've known better yesterday when I sat down to read Cassandra Clare's CITY OF GLASS. I should've known that I was not going to be able to put down the book, and now, unlike Simon who is not affected by the sun, I am a little bit burned.
It has been one really long - as well as crazy, heartbreaking, exhilarating, and anxiety-filled - month for Clary. She has been one busy girl - mixing it up with vampires, werewolves, and fairies, fighting demons, and falling in love completely and totally. Like I said, it has been one helluva month for Clary.
When we last saw her, both Clary and Jace were reeling from the fact that they were brother and sister. I think you were able to hear a collective moan of "oh no" across the country when everyone reading the book got to that part. On top of that, her mother was in a coma and Simon, her BFF, was turned into a vampire. Seriously, can anything else go wrong?
Welcome to the final chapter in THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS trilogy.
The trip has been planned. Everyone is going to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters. Clary was going to save her mother, learn more about her past. Life was going to be good once again. However, keep in mind the saying "the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry"....
So what goes wrong? For starters, Jace doesn't want her to go, claiming that it is too dangerous, especially if people, the wrong people, find out what she can do with runes. Then the Forsaken attack before Clary arrives, wrecking havoc and forcing everyone left alive (including Simon) to escape through the portal to Idris.
It is not easy getting into Idris. You have to get permission from the ruling body, and if you enter without permission, you run the risk of death. Uh oh.... now how in the world is Clary going to save her mother? Clave be damned is how, and she draws her own portal rune to transport her. Luke latches on at the last second in hopes of saving her, but it is too late - and they both wind up in Idris.
Good news is they made it; bad news is that Downworlders like Luke aren't exactly welcome.
The action in this installment starts early and doesn't let up until the very last page, but now with Clary, Luke, and Simon (who really shouldn't be there) in Idris, the twists and turns really begin. If you thought what happened on the ship in the last book was intense, you haven't read anything yet. Valentine, who has yet to show all of his cards, is planning something huge. He is just itching to use the mortal cup and he already has the sword. Everybody is on full alert, ready to battle for his or her lives.
I don't want to reveal that many spoilers, so lets just say Ms. Clare wrote a satisfying conclusion that will please her legions of fans. There is a lot going on in this book, that much I will say. This one was probably my favorite out of the three. The story moved at a very good pace and delved more into the relationships that have entwined all of the characters together. Familial issues take center stage, and romantic issues also abound.
There is also one really big surprise. Does that mean Jace and Clary are together in the end?
I'm not telling....
I really have to stop reading books out by the pool. When I do this, especially with the good books, I forget about the thing called the "sun" and I end up getting roasted. I should've known better yesterday when I sat down to read Cassandra Clare's CITY OF GLASS. I should've known that I was not going to be able to put down the book, and now, unlike Simon who is not affected by the sun, I am a little bit burned.
It has been one really long - as well as crazy, heartbreaking, exhilarating, and anxiety-filled - month for Clary. She has been one busy girl - mixing it up with vampires, werewolves, and fairies, fighting demons, and falling in love completely and totally. Like I said, it has been one helluva month for Clary.
When we last saw her, both Clary and Jace were reeling from the fact that they were brother and sister. I think you were able to hear a collective moan of "oh no" across the country when everyone reading the book got to that part. On top of that, her mother was in a coma and Simon, her BFF, was turned into a vampire. Seriously, can anything else go wrong?
Welcome to the final chapter in THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS trilogy.
The trip has been planned. Everyone is going to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters. Clary was going to save her mother, learn more about her past. Life was going to be good once again. However, keep in mind the saying "the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry"....
So what goes wrong? For starters, Jace doesn't want her to go, claiming that it is too dangerous, especially if people, the wrong people, find out what she can do with runes. Then the Forsaken attack before Clary arrives, wrecking havoc and forcing everyone left alive (including Simon) to escape through the portal to Idris.
It is not easy getting into Idris. You have to get permission from the ruling body, and if you enter without permission, you run the risk of death. Uh oh.... now how in the world is Clary going to save her mother? Clave be damned is how, and she draws her own portal rune to transport her. Luke latches on at the last second in hopes of saving her, but it is too late - and they both wind up in Idris.
Good news is they made it; bad news is that Downworlders like Luke aren't exactly welcome.
The action in this installment starts early and doesn't let up until the very last page, but now with Clary, Luke, and Simon (who really shouldn't be there) in Idris, the twists and turns really begin. If you thought what happened on the ship in the last book was intense, you haven't read anything yet. Valentine, who has yet to show all of his cards, is planning something huge. He is just itching to use the mortal cup and he already has the sword. Everybody is on full alert, ready to battle for his or her lives.
I don't want to reveal that many spoilers, so lets just say Ms. Clare wrote a satisfying conclusion that will please her legions of fans. There is a lot going on in this book, that much I will say. This one was probably my favorite out of the three. The story moved at a very good pace and delved more into the relationships that have entwined all of the characters together. Familial issues take center stage, and romantic issues also abound.
There is also one really big surprise. Does that mean Jace and Clary are together in the end?
I'm not telling....
Helpful Score: 6
This is the third book of the Mortal Instruments trilogy. It is a shame it has to end. This book along with the other two were superb reads. It gave depth into the characters by drawing you into their worlds, thoughts, and feelings. The description of the places were great- felt like I was there.
If you have not read the other two (city of bones, city of ash), you will need to before reading this one. The other books lay groundwork for this book that otherwise will have you lost. GREAT READ AND SERIES!!!!!!!
If you have not read the other two (city of bones, city of ash), you will need to before reading this one. The other books lay groundwork for this book that otherwise will have you lost. GREAT READ AND SERIES!!!!!!!
Helpful Score: 4
Oh My! I loved this book so much. The best analogy I can give is this: When you are reading a good book & you get to those last couple chapters where it gets so compelling to finish & you cant read it fast enough - that is the way this whole book was from beginning to end. I would say this trilogy was one of my very favorites. I do not want to give spoilers, so I will just say everything is explained and tied up in this last book of the trilogy, although, I can still see places where there could possible be a spin-off of the story. I hope there is!! I would hate for it to be over.
Helpful Score: 3
This is the best book out of the trilogy. Clare finally ironed out some of her writing flaws such as cardboard characterization, underdeveloped scenes, and a propensity to copy Harry Potter. The scenes between Clary and Jace and between Alec and Magnus were outstanding and the plot flowed much better than it did in City of Glass (or City of Bones for that matter). It felt like Clare became truly comfortable with her world and with her own unique voice. I liked the resolution between all the main couples and that Clary finally had a bigger role in the destruction of Valentine than it seemed was going to happen. I still felt some characters were more obvious than Clare intended them to be--I picked out Hodge's and Sebastian's identities a mile away. However Valentine finally got a little fleshing out and his final scene with Clary is very satisfying. I read not so flattering reviews of the sequel to this book (City of Fallen Angels) and so I choose to end my journey in the world of Mortal Instruments here with this nicely wrapped and packaged conclusion. This was a very nice way to end the series and I wouldn't ruin that sense of harmony by attempting to read a new book that could essentially unravel everything good about this book.
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
Helpful Score: 2
This was spectacular! I can't say a single thing about it without giving something away so I'll just setting on superb! Lots and lots of surprises. Get ready for a super conclusion to the series though I've heard that book 4 is coming next year. If you liked the first two books in the series, you will absolutely love this one. If you didn't, why are you even looking at book 3?
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
Helpful Score: 1
Cassandra Clare delivers a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy that has both Twilight and Harry Potter fans alike on their feet and drooling. In CITY OF GLASS, pressing questions from the first two books are answered and loose ends are tied up, albeit a bit too neatly for my taste. (But more on that later.)
The Mortal Instruments trilogy has really relied more on appealing characters and their development rather than an outstanding plot or story idea. The characters are ones you simply WANT the narration to revolve around: they are quirky and smart-mouthed, yet vulnerable and, inexplicably, human. Clary, short and hot-tempered, is the kind of female protagonist we'd all like to be if we were in an action-fantasy novel--she is resourceful, fun, emotionally turbulent, and unknowingly appealing. Jace is the bad-boy hero of our dreams, whose sardonic comments balance his tough-guy mask to hide his boyish insecurities.
That being said, the story uses a plot that is sometimes slow, oftentimes predictable, and occasionally a bit ludicrous. More than once I felt like some elements were watered-down ones of Harry Potter--most notably being the villain with unfortunate blood ties to the protagonists. The ending in particular was so sudden, so ideal, that I have trouble wrapping my mind around its plausibility.
Overall, THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS is an enjoyable, action-packed, and sizzling paranormal trilogy. Fans of Twilight will adore the love triangles and unrequited/forbidden love angle, while Harry Potter acolytes may find a powerful competitor with their favorite series.
The Mortal Instruments trilogy has really relied more on appealing characters and their development rather than an outstanding plot or story idea. The characters are ones you simply WANT the narration to revolve around: they are quirky and smart-mouthed, yet vulnerable and, inexplicably, human. Clary, short and hot-tempered, is the kind of female protagonist we'd all like to be if we were in an action-fantasy novel--she is resourceful, fun, emotionally turbulent, and unknowingly appealing. Jace is the bad-boy hero of our dreams, whose sardonic comments balance his tough-guy mask to hide his boyish insecurities.
That being said, the story uses a plot that is sometimes slow, oftentimes predictable, and occasionally a bit ludicrous. More than once I felt like some elements were watered-down ones of Harry Potter--most notably being the villain with unfortunate blood ties to the protagonists. The ending in particular was so sudden, so ideal, that I have trouble wrapping my mind around its plausibility.
Overall, THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS is an enjoyable, action-packed, and sizzling paranormal trilogy. Fans of Twilight will adore the love triangles and unrequited/forbidden love angle, while Harry Potter acolytes may find a powerful competitor with their favorite series.
Helpful Score: 1
What a fantastic series! (Must read all 3, and in order). I don't read much Young Adult. I need my happy ending! I do read Urban Fantasy, and that's what this was, only without all the sex. This series is very well done, and I am completely happy with it. I recommend it teenagers and adults. The ending was fantastic, and then there was an epilogue to tie up the loose ends, which was just right. Wonderful books, don't miss these! They are worth the time!
Theresa C. (fantasygonewild) reviewed City of Glass (Mortal Instruments, Bk 3) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book did not disappoint me at all. It was a perfect ending to the trilogy, and wrapped up all the loose ends nicely. I definitely recommend!
I have a very addictive personality and completed this whole series in one weekend. The final installment was good. It did feel kinda rushed and like the author was attempting to resolve all the plots with limited space, but still it was fast paced and fun. I strongly recommend this book and the whole series.
Wow I really loved this book!!! I finished it in a 24 hour time span. So that alone says a lot. Only a couple of books have sucked me in like that. Loved the ending! Everything was wrapped up or so I thought until the epilogue. Not really sure if it was a good idea or a bad idea to continue this series. It was all wrapped up and everyone was happy. I just hope the next installments in the series are not a let down!
Melissa B. (dragoneyes) -
This is the 3rd book in the series and initially it was the final book as well. There was enough closure at the end of this book to make it satisfying but 3 more books will follow this one. Not sure how I feel about that. Sometimes great things come in small packages (or a trilogy). I will definitely continue on though since my curiosity always gets the best of me.
In this books we find Clary going to the City of Glass - Home of the Shadowhunters, Simon gets put in Shadowhunter prison, Jace doesn't want Clary there, and there is a all out battle at the end.
Clare does it again with non-stop action and adventure, twists and turns, and many sleepless nights.
In this books we find Clary going to the City of Glass - Home of the Shadowhunters, Simon gets put in Shadowhunter prison, Jace doesn't want Clary there, and there is a all out battle at the end.
Clare does it again with non-stop action and adventure, twists and turns, and many sleepless nights.
Charlotte K. (diamondsae82) -
I read the first three books in this series one right after another. Every book is so good that I just did not want the story to end, and this book was no different. I would almost say that this third installment is the best one in the series so far. It is action packed and full of unexpected twists and turns.
Clary is getting ready to leave for Alicante to find the warlock who can save her mother. Jace is adamantly against this decision. He doesn't want the Clave to find out what Clary is capable of or what really happened on Valentine's ship. In an effort to recruit Simon's help in deceiving Clary so she will miss the portal, the Institute is attacked by Forsaken and Simon is pulled through the portal with the Lightwoods. Underworlders entering into Alicante is strictly forbidden, and the Clave is immediately interested in the Daylighter. When Clary and Luke arrive to leave for Alicante, they only find Magnus Bane. He proceeds to tell them what happened, but only part of the story. Clary decides to put her new found rune powers to the test and tries to make her own portal. Luke finds her just as she is stepping through and into the world of the clave they go.
I loved this book. I think I spent just about every moment I was awake and not working to read. It has action, suspense, love, and lots of twists. There is a very sad part in this book, but that is all I will say about that. The most disappointing part of this book is that it needs more Jace. This book puts so many pieces together. There were some parts that I thought Clary was annoying. She tends to just do whatever she feels like without thinking about how it will affect others, but at the same time she is more bad ass in this book. She isn't afraid of anything and will do anything to help the ones she loves.
I have to say that I have not liked Simon's character in this series at all until this book. He is almost a totally different person than he has been. It is nice to see that he accepts the way Clary feels for Jace and stops pining after her. He is a much better friend than jealous tag along.
Jace is wonderful as usual. We learn so much more about him in this book, and its beyond what you would think. It is nice to learn more about who he really is.
This book is non-stop from the first page to the last. You can tell that at one time it was intended to be the last in the series, but the end is still pretty open-ended. Cassandra Clare leaves some questions hanging unanswered. I am excited to carry on in the series, and hope that it doesn't drag on or ruin the relationship between the characters.
Clary is getting ready to leave for Alicante to find the warlock who can save her mother. Jace is adamantly against this decision. He doesn't want the Clave to find out what Clary is capable of or what really happened on Valentine's ship. In an effort to recruit Simon's help in deceiving Clary so she will miss the portal, the Institute is attacked by Forsaken and Simon is pulled through the portal with the Lightwoods. Underworlders entering into Alicante is strictly forbidden, and the Clave is immediately interested in the Daylighter. When Clary and Luke arrive to leave for Alicante, they only find Magnus Bane. He proceeds to tell them what happened, but only part of the story. Clary decides to put her new found rune powers to the test and tries to make her own portal. Luke finds her just as she is stepping through and into the world of the clave they go.
I loved this book. I think I spent just about every moment I was awake and not working to read. It has action, suspense, love, and lots of twists. There is a very sad part in this book, but that is all I will say about that. The most disappointing part of this book is that it needs more Jace. This book puts so many pieces together. There were some parts that I thought Clary was annoying. She tends to just do whatever she feels like without thinking about how it will affect others, but at the same time she is more bad ass in this book. She isn't afraid of anything and will do anything to help the ones she loves.
I have to say that I have not liked Simon's character in this series at all until this book. He is almost a totally different person than he has been. It is nice to see that he accepts the way Clary feels for Jace and stops pining after her. He is a much better friend than jealous tag along.
Jace is wonderful as usual. We learn so much more about him in this book, and its beyond what you would think. It is nice to learn more about who he really is.
This book is non-stop from the first page to the last. You can tell that at one time it was intended to be the last in the series, but the end is still pretty open-ended. Cassandra Clare leaves some questions hanging unanswered. I am excited to carry on in the series, and hope that it doesn't drag on or ruin the relationship between the characters.
Carolina C. (carolinachapa) -
LOVED THIS BOOK. It was fast-paced and action packed. I was just thoroughly satisfied with all of this book and the series overall. I cannot wait to finish Fallen Angels and Lost Souls and wait for Heavenly Fire!
Michelle P. (plattfamily) reviewed City of Glass (Mortal Instruments, Bk 3) on + 37 more book reviews
Mom Review: This is a GREAT teen trilogy. It was well written and engaging. Of all the other teen series I have read lately, I have the least reservations handing this one over to my tween/teen. It was a bit gory in the battle scenes but that is to be expected from a fantasy novel. The thing that really impressed me was the romantic elements didn't go further than kissing, in fact it didn't even discuss the desire to go further than that. All without detracting from the romantic relationships between the characters. Thank you Cassandra!
I couldn't have asked for a better ending. I got everything I wanted. I don't want to summarize the book, I'll leave that to others, but I will say that there are some heartbreakingly beautiful scenes in this book. The characters became more developed and more endearing, especially Jace. His sarcastic wit is certainly present in this book; however, he is no longer hiding behind his carefully constructed facade. His torment over Clary is glaringly obvious from the first chapter.
I noticed that another review stated that she wished Clary and Jace hadn't have been as close as they were until they knew the truth about not being related, but I have to disagree. Clary was the only person in the world that made Jace feel like he belonged and she was the only person he belonged to and the fact that she didn't turn away from him when he told her that he loved her probably meant more to him than her waiting until she knew the truth to love him back the same way. He had resigned himself to love her always, no matter what, and I'm glad that he got to know that she had resigned herself to the same fate.
Cassandra Clare works magic with this novel. The excitement begins on the first page and doesn't stop until the final sentence. She brings everything full circle for a completely satisfying ending - even though fans would be more than happy to read about these beloved characters forever, I know I will miss them.
*Just found out that book #4 "City of Fallen Angels", is due out in Spring 2011*
I noticed that another review stated that she wished Clary and Jace hadn't have been as close as they were until they knew the truth about not being related, but I have to disagree. Clary was the only person in the world that made Jace feel like he belonged and she was the only person he belonged to and the fact that she didn't turn away from him when he told her that he loved her probably meant more to him than her waiting until she knew the truth to love him back the same way. He had resigned himself to love her always, no matter what, and I'm glad that he got to know that she had resigned herself to the same fate.
Cassandra Clare works magic with this novel. The excitement begins on the first page and doesn't stop until the final sentence. She brings everything full circle for a completely satisfying ending - even though fans would be more than happy to read about these beloved characters forever, I know I will miss them.
*Just found out that book #4 "City of Fallen Angels", is due out in Spring 2011*
Jolene O. (esmestohelit) -
This book really deserves 10 stars. I don't think I've come across a series this amazing since Harry Potter. Everything about this book was wonderful. It makes you want to live in their world. The story flows perfectly, always making you dying to know what's next. This is a tough book to set in a certain genre. I think it's a lot more evolved then a YA book, but just shy of a regular fantasy. I highly recommend anyone who is a fan of either to give it a try. It will not disappoint you!
As mentioned before, a once over of the back of the fourth book already revealed the big twist at the end so I can't honestly say that I would have predicted the outcome. However, if I hadn't, I would be highly surprised as the author eluded and ushered the reader, quite unsubtly, to the big revelation in only 1.75 books.
Thankfully, the resolution between Alec and Magnus only took 1.5 ;) Though it took the Luke/Jocelyn item 3 whole volumes, plus a whole lot of history.
Thankfully, the resolution between Alec and Magnus only took 1.5 ;) Though it took the Luke/Jocelyn item 3 whole volumes, plus a whole lot of history.
Wonderful finish
This is a series that kept me reading and reading. Have truly enjoyed each and every one and there is another book coming called City of Fallen Angels. Many of the mysteries raised in earlier volumes were solved in this one. And, I discovered that I was beginning to understand the author's writing style and train of thought. I found myself guessing some of the outcomes. Cass and Jace are intriguing heroes. And, Cass's mother is an outstanding role model. Luke's gentle, caring personality adds so much to the story. Simon has become a vampire who is developing a mature personality and becoming comfortable with himself. A new villain has appeared in this volume who is certain to reappear in the next book. To say much more would give away much of the joy of reading this book. Don't miss it.
This was one of my favorite books in the Mortal Instrument series. There was a lot going on and it wasn't able to lag because of everything you had to take in. With each book things get more intense for everyone involved. By the end of this one, I was really happy with where the story was going. When there's a lot of books in a series you get to know each and every character more intimately, which I love. By this time you're literally involved in their lives and you want to see what unfolds with all of them. That's why I loved this one. I now felt like I was a part of this wonderful group of people and what was happening to them was now happening to me as well. Clare is an excellent story teller in that sense.
Valentine is at it again and everyone has just about had it. This time he is planning the ultimate attack on the Shadowhunters and it's very possible that he could succeed. New characters come into play and others tend to fade away. I have to admit that I really liked Sebastian coming into the mix. I love characters that bring something new to the story and his tale was definitely an intriguing one. The situation between Clary and Jace also made this one of my favorite thus far. Things never seem to go right for these two but they finally catch a break and all is well in the Shadowhunter world. Except of course for Valentine and his evil plan. Will it ever end?
Valentine is at it again and everyone has just about had it. This time he is planning the ultimate attack on the Shadowhunters and it's very possible that he could succeed. New characters come into play and others tend to fade away. I have to admit that I really liked Sebastian coming into the mix. I love characters that bring something new to the story and his tale was definitely an intriguing one. The situation between Clary and Jace also made this one of my favorite thus far. Things never seem to go right for these two but they finally catch a break and all is well in the Shadowhunter world. Except of course for Valentine and his evil plan. Will it ever end?
Ashley (ashleyhoffenberg) -
** spoiler alert **
I've sped through this series like a bat out of hell. I couldn't put the books down. From the moment Jace showed up at the coffee shop to retrieve Clary, the world and story had me.
I knew, in my heart, that she and Jace couldn't be siblings. How could an author really do that to his/her readers anyway??? Their love is blinding, honestly. It is SO pure, so perfect, so untainted (well, tainted with Angel blood is a blessing!) I guessed Sebastian's true existence from the moment Clary laid eyes on him. It just fit, and it didn't take long to learn his evil ways. Valentine was a messed up individual, but he definitely created a monster in Sebastian/Jonathan. I was so proud of Izzy when she came to save Jace's life! The love the Lightwoods feel for each other is immeasurable. I am also beyond happy that after 3 books, Alec was finally able to get over his fear and let the world know who he loved. :)
This book was full of sorrow and betrayal, but it was the most glorious read of the series. Or is it? City of Fallen Angels is still looming. Sebastian/Jonathan isn't really dead...is he?
I've sped through this series like a bat out of hell. I couldn't put the books down. From the moment Jace showed up at the coffee shop to retrieve Clary, the world and story had me.
I knew, in my heart, that she and Jace couldn't be siblings. How could an author really do that to his/her readers anyway??? Their love is blinding, honestly. It is SO pure, so perfect, so untainted (well, tainted with Angel blood is a blessing!) I guessed Sebastian's true existence from the moment Clary laid eyes on him. It just fit, and it didn't take long to learn his evil ways. Valentine was a messed up individual, but he definitely created a monster in Sebastian/Jonathan. I was so proud of Izzy when she came to save Jace's life! The love the Lightwoods feel for each other is immeasurable. I am also beyond happy that after 3 books, Alec was finally able to get over his fear and let the world know who he loved. :)
This book was full of sorrow and betrayal, but it was the most glorious read of the series. Or is it? City of Fallen Angels is still looming. Sebastian/Jonathan isn't really dead...is he?
I was really happy with the outcome of this book! I found myself unable to put it down once I was half way through! I really ended up getting attached to all the characters and loved how they have been evolving throughout the series. Great stuff & I look forward to more in the series and plan to read her other series' as well!
Christine H. (solarawynn) reviewed City of Glass (Mortal Instruments, Bk 3) on + 724 more book reviews
I had expected more, however,it was good.
Definitely took some unexpected twists and turns. Still highly appreciating the humor laced throughout the story
This one actually gets a full 4 stars. The author did a good job of making me want to slap the hellfire out of Clary, Jace, Alec, and some others I'm sure.
Spoilers Ahead:
This gave us an all-access pass into Valentine's head. And while he was a complete and total lunatic, he had real belief in what he was doing. Though the real Jonathan was a monster, I think as his father Valentine had some inkling of love for him. I believe it pained him when he learned that Jace had killed him. I also believe it pained him very much to kill Jace. You have to admire his conviction, his utter belief in his cause. Again he was a raging psychopath, but dedicated.
I almost felt sorry for him when the angel struck him down. Although I truly don't know what he expected. You kidnapped and tortured an angel for years and then you think to command the angel that made the nephilim?! And all for a very, very wrong and twisted cause. Yeah I don't know how he didn't see that coming, 'cause I sure did!
Clary flipping out on her mom bugged me. I think because she had so very nearly lost her, and she had defied everything and everyone just to get her back, you'd think she would have hugged her before giving her a verbal smack down. Kind of like when you're a kid and don't check in at home all day and when you finally stroll through the door, your mom totally hugs the life out of you before shaking the crap out of you and screaming about how worried she was. I think that should have been more her reaction, but whatever.
And don't even get me started about how disgusted I am about Clary and Jace not being blood siblings! I was really hoping this didn't go for the predictable, stereotypical ending. I was totally pulling for Simon! I also just wanted a romance that didn't turn out the way it was expected to...but there are a few more books so there could be a separation/break-up around the corner. Not that I don't want a happy ending or dislike them together. I was just hoping for something different, non-mainstream.
Oh well. Disappointed as I am, at least Luke got his girl! I'll check out the rest of the series.
Spoilers Ahead:
This gave us an all-access pass into Valentine's head. And while he was a complete and total lunatic, he had real belief in what he was doing. Though the real Jonathan was a monster, I think as his father Valentine had some inkling of love for him. I believe it pained him when he learned that Jace had killed him. I also believe it pained him very much to kill Jace. You have to admire his conviction, his utter belief in his cause. Again he was a raging psychopath, but dedicated.
I almost felt sorry for him when the angel struck him down. Although I truly don't know what he expected. You kidnapped and tortured an angel for years and then you think to command the angel that made the nephilim?! And all for a very, very wrong and twisted cause. Yeah I don't know how he didn't see that coming, 'cause I sure did!
Clary flipping out on her mom bugged me. I think because she had so very nearly lost her, and she had defied everything and everyone just to get her back, you'd think she would have hugged her before giving her a verbal smack down. Kind of like when you're a kid and don't check in at home all day and when you finally stroll through the door, your mom totally hugs the life out of you before shaking the crap out of you and screaming about how worried she was. I think that should have been more her reaction, but whatever.
And don't even get me started about how disgusted I am about Clary and Jace not being blood siblings! I was really hoping this didn't go for the predictable, stereotypical ending. I was totally pulling for Simon! I also just wanted a romance that didn't turn out the way it was expected to...but there are a few more books so there could be a separation/break-up around the corner. Not that I don't want a happy ending or dislike them together. I was just hoping for something different, non-mainstream.
Oh well. Disappointed as I am, at least Luke got his girl! I'll check out the rest of the series.
Good read
I agree with many of the reviewers who say this book was the best of the first three, it was definitely my favorite although I have loved them all. This is a fantastic series and I am enjoying the plot twists. You just can't take it too seriously. I am looking forward to reading the next two.
When I started this series, I thought there were six books. But this book ends the story arc. It's got lots of action and a satisfying end, although I felt it was pretty predictable. That doesn't mean its target audience will care, or even notice. Clary, Jace, and Simon are still fun; some nicely snarky dialogue between the kids; even the adults get some good parts to play. I did like Clary's thinking at the climatic moment with Valentine, how just was that. Not the most tightly written plot, but still satisfying.
So much going on! Loved this book. Action packed with great characters. Going to keep reading.
SPOILER: Hooray for Jace and Clary not being siblings! And now for the rest of the story.
SPOILER: Hooray for Jace and Clary not being siblings! And now for the rest of the story.
BEST BOOK IN THE SERIES SO FAR!! I am wondering where Miss Clare will take it. This book could almost end the series. So glad the whole Jace and Clary bit got worked out. Be ready for a little gore and bloodshed in this one... nothing too extreme though. Great read! Love the happy ending for all the "good guys" in the book.
Danielle R. (danielleraybuck) reviewed City of Glass (Mortal Instruments, Bk 3) on + 76 more book reviews
Not nearly as good as the second, but still decent in it's own right. It was very predictable...
