Saturday, November 10, 2012

City of Glass [Clare]

Book: City of Glass [Mortal Instruments #3]
Author: Cassandra Clare

Review: Desperate to save her mother, Clary has to travel to the Idris, the home of Shadowhunters. This plan is not without complications. Jace doesn't want her there, Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters and she has to enter without permission, which could lead to a punishment as severe as death. Valentine also continues to gain power and threatens Idris. Can the shadowhunters and downworlders combine forces to fight Valentine? How far will Clary go to save her mother and help protect the City of Glass?

I enjoyed the first two books of the series but this book felt a little flat for me. I didn't love it or hate it, it was really just okay. I was excited that Clare moved the action from New York City to this imaginary world and she did a very good job describing Idris. The strongest part of this was learning about the angel and demon experiments that Valentine partook in and it was very powerful when we discovered what he had hidden in his basement. Clary was more likable during that scene than almost any other part of the book. 

My biggest issue with this series is Clary herself. I just don't like her. Maybe I should have taken a break between the books (I remember getting very tired of Sookie Stackhouse as well, but that took about 6 books back to back before I needed a break) but she is extremely self involved and complains constantly. Why exactly are Simon and Jace in love with her? I really have no idea. We are told she is fiesty but she does not read that way. Many of the secondary characters come to life on the pages (Magnus and Isabelle especially) and I hope Clare can succeed in doing the same for Clary in the next few books. 

In terms of the plot, there were a few twists and turns I didn't see coming (specifically the death of a secondary character who has been in the previous books) which was a surprise. Otherwise, most of this was very predictable.  We **spoiler alert** finally learn that Jace and Clary aren't related at the end of the book (finally!). Yay! 

I was planning to give this a 4 as I was reading it, but I fell asleep so many nights trying to get through it I have to give it is a 3. An okay read, definitely a must read if you are reading the series. 

Grade: 3/5

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