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When Valentine attacks the city and destroys the demon towers, Clary and her allies are all who stand between him and the total annihilation of all Shadowhunters. Love is a mortal sin and the past tangles inextricably with the present as Clary and Jace face down their father in this third volume of The Mortal Instruments.
Cassandra Clare is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. She was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of books. Cassandra lives in Brooklyn with her boyfriend, their two cats, and these days, even more books.
www.mortalinstruments.com
Marcy_Jo
Posted January 15, 2009
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It's a scary thing when you get to the final book in a series or
trilogy that you particularly care about. There's a certain amount of
apprehension involved,correlating directly to your emotional
involvement to the story and characters. Its tricky for the author to
wrap things up in a way that is true to the characters, consistent
with the themes of the previous books, ties up the story arcs, and is still enjoyable to read. I've never read the final book in any series that managed to seamlessly do all of those things.
City of Glass did.
The characters remained true to themselves while still managing to grow appropriately.
Clary was very Clary-ish. Particularly early on in the book she was
just as rash and independent and headstrong as ever. Watching her
character progression over the span of the book (as well as the
series), I must say that she usurps Gemma Doyle for the crown of
female protagonists in the category that I refer to as "Girls Who Do
Things." And she does "Do Things." Regardless of the fact that Jace
tried to keep her from Idris, despite the fact that
she lacks the training or even the in depth knowledge of their
society, Clary refuses to sit on the sidelines. She refuses to be
relegated to the role of bystander or victim. She was very true to the
character that we got to know in City of Bones and City of Ashes.
Jace, well, what can I say. Jace's journey here is epic. As he has in
every book before, he broke my heart. Watching him struggle with
himself, with his past, with things he cannot control...it is
beautiful.
The 'minor' characters (though I am loathe to call them that, seeing
how real and well developed they are) really shine here, too. They all grow to meet the challenges before them, and we see a different side of
*everyone* in Idris, though they stay true to the characters we knew.
To say that I am ecstatic about the character development here is a
gross understatement.
All of the story arcs--both for the individual characters as well as
the main conflicts--are tied up nicely. The foundations for everything
that happens have been building since COB. The resolutions are not
gratuitous or indulgent. They feel as if--rather than the writer
giving the series the ending she wanted it to have, regardless of
whether or not it fit the themes of the other books--the author
allowed these characters to tell their stories through her. It was the
way endings should be...but so rarely ever are.
I laughed, I cried, I squealed, I shouted at the characters, I yelled "Yes!" and "No!"Oftentimes I did all of those things within the span of a single chapter. It's an emotional whirlwind reading experience. I was
physically unable to put the book down from the moment I picked it up. And the ending? Well, the ending left me breathless.
I don't say this lightly: there are probably two dozen books that I
easily list as "one of my favorite books of all time." City of Glass is not on that list.
City of Glass *IS* my favorite book of all time.
For sheer emotional connect, suspense, excitement, character WIN,
romance, frighteningly believable villainy goodness, and moments that made me flail around like a toddler in the candy closet, it is
unparalleled.
So for those of you eagerly counting down the days between now and
March 24, take heart. City of Glass is well worth the wait. I had
really high expecta
42 out of 44 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The entire series of The Mortal Instruments is a book that rivals Harry Potter--and that's saying something.
Full of magic, demons (definitely lots of those), action, and "forbidden" (read the book and you'll know why that's in quotes...)romance. Oh, and there's also the forbidden (without quotes) romance...but that's a whole other story WORTH READING)
The characters are so well developed that it seems as though you've known them your whole life. Before you know it, you'll realize that Jace and Clary have snuck (or sneeked--whichever you prefer) their way into your heart.
Completely unforgettable, thoroughly captivating, and utterly sexy. Read it.
38 out of 39 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.theReader278
Posted June 23, 2011
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I loved reading this wonderful book! It is a story that keeps you entertained for hours.
24 out of 24 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I picked this book up after seeing that Stephenie Meyer recommended it on her site. All I can say it that I was not disappointed. After mourning the end of the Twilight series I was looking for a group of characters I could enjoy and Cassandra Clare came through with those. From the very first chapter I was roped into the world of the Shadowhunters. The relationship between Clary and Jace will keep you enthralled and wanting more. I was able to identify with Clary so much in her faith of others and her belief that love is stronger and will save rather than destroy. I will read this series again and this time I am sure enjoy it even more. I loved Twilight and the Cullen famliy but if I had to choose I would much rather be a Shadowhunter than a vampire.
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is by far my favorite book of the series. Ms. Clare's writing really improved with this book (not to say it was bad before) and it was simply phenominal. I do not say this lightly, but I think this book (not necessairly the series) is up there with Harry Potter. I've read several other series (including Harry Potter, Twilight, Gemma Doyle, etc.) and this is by far my favorite final book in a series. Fantastic! Buy it; totally worth the money.
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.CITY OF GLASS is the third novel in The Mortal Instruments trilogy and you will not be disappointed in this final installment by Cassandra Clare. In fact, you will be taken on the roller coaster adventure of your literary experience.
Buckle yourself in for your ride as you begin City of Glass. It commences several days after The CITY OF ASHES ends. Clary and her family (brother Jace) and friends (the Lightwoods) must travel to the city of Alicante, the ancesteral home of all Shadow hunters. Clary's focus on going to Alicante is to find the person that can "help" her mother awaken from her coma like state, a fact that is supplied by her mother's friend Madeline. The problem with this scenario is that Jace believes that Idris, the beautiful city of glass, is too dangerous a place for Clary and will stop at nothing to keep her from going, even if that means that he has to lie to her and needs to enlist in Simon's help to achieve it. What happens next will leave you white knuckling your book and breathless and you take your first plunge, and just think your ride has only begun.
Clary soon realizes that she has been lied to and left behind and when no one will help her, she decides to use her special powers to enter into the city because she refuses to be a bystander. This action makes her an outlaw in Alicante for you CANNOT enter the city of Idris without permission, thus she ends up in a situation that nearly kills her. Luckily she has Luke to help her, but remember that he is a down worlder and his presence in Alicante is not good news....can you feel the bumpiness of the ride ahead? I know I felt some chills of dread.
When Clary is finally within the city walls of Idris and in company of Jace and the others, it is to find the city under much duress and weary over the impending threat of Valentine's wrath. This sickening doom lead Jace and Clary to investigate a "vision" and spend time together, moments that only seems to cause more heartache and confusion to an already forbidden relationship. Not to mention that a new character draws Clary to him and his presence will forever change how Clary feels about Jace. These moments are the G-force emotions that leave your heart in your stomach and screaming AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! as you travel the loops this gigacoaster of an amazing story offers you.
The other twists and turns of this book ride are of the other characters in this series that have seemed to come forth and shine, such as the case with Simon. We have seen him develop from the awkward, love lorn geek to a confident, insightful and amazingly attractive blood sucker and we love him all the more for it. Any time that Simon is on the page you are drawn towards him and want more of him, as do others :). Magnus is always a welcome presence and you will not be disappointed as he manages to make his flashy, wise self important in helping Clary. Alec also grows into the shadow hunter that he was born to be and finally faces up to his fears (sigh). I adore the fact that the character story arcs were well tended to and you are left contented and happy with their resolutions.
City of Glass is beautifully written and interwoven with amazingly unforgettable characters and moments, everything is brought full circle and I have to say that I want to get back on the ride and do it all over again and again.
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I finished City of Glass and I have to say that The Mortal Instruments is one of the best series I have ever read. City of Bones crushed me a little with the news that Clary and Jace were really brother and sister. I was stubborn though and I refused to believe it. I immediately ran over to pick up City of Ashes. City of Ashes was even more exciting then the first book in the series. It was in that book that I realized why everybody is always raving about Magnus Bane. He is a very..sparkly character. I of course was also driven crazy by the end of that book when Jace "lies" to Clary and says he will just be her brother from now on.You are killing me Cassandra Clare!
City of Glass picks up right after City of Ashes. Clary's mother is still in her magically induced coma but now, thanks to Madeline, Clary knows how to save her and the only one who can help her is in Idris. The reader hears a lot about Idris in the previous books but we are never really introduces to it until this book. Despite Clary's reasons for wanting to go to Idris Jace is determined to prevent her from going. Jace fears that Clary's heightened Shadowhunter abilities will make her desired by the Clave. After an unexpected demon attack Jace manages to succeed in leaving Clary behind but ends up bringing Simon with instead. Let's just say that the new Inquisitor is not too pleased to see a vampire come through the portal and he has some plans for Simon.
Jace may have succeeded initially but Clary being the determined person she is creates her own portal and ends up in Idris with Luke anyways. Shortly after arriving in Idris Clary meets a new tall dark haired boy who seems strangely familiar. Sebastian quickly offers to help Clary in her pursuit for the warlock who can help her cure her mother. Valentine is still moving forward with his plans to attack the Clave and Idris. He has the sword and the cup and now he just needs the mirror. The only way to defeat his demon army may be for Shadowhunters and Downworlders to work together. Putting aside there differences and petty jealousies may prove to be impossible. Only Clary seems to hold the key to uniting them against Valentine.
City of Glass is action packed and laced with declarations of love *squeal*. I can't wait to continue this series with City of Fallen Angels which is scheduled to release April 5, 2011. At least I will have Clockwork Angel to tide me over in the meantime and I only have to wait 2 more weeks for it!
http://bringmeanotherbook.blogspot.com/
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 26, 2010
I didn't think there could be another Saga that could hold a candle to the Twilight series but here it is. City of bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass is a story that I just couldn't put down. Great storyline, character and emotionally gripping. I was pulled into the story from the first few pages of the first book. I hightly recommend this series to everyone that loved the Twilight series. I can't wait for them to make a movie for this one.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Cassandra Clare has an amazing imagination. The characters are out of this world and the plot was great. But it's so aggravating when you have half of something but not the other. The writing was redundant, I felt like everyone was having the same conversation over and over again. And evertime the main character had a moment of intensity she drew blood, either she bit her lip so hard she tasted blood or she squeezed her fist so hard there was blood where her nail marks were... it's not intense anymore if you say it more than 10 times in the book. The end was predictable and lackluster.
Being in this author's mind must be one of the best places to be but being in her books is aggravating because you expect so much more!
2 out of 19 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Solstice-Ballad
Posted May 18, 2009
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Undine and Trout (Undine by Penni Russon), Schuyler and Jack (Blue bloods by Melissa De La Cruz), Chloe and Derek (The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong, and Jace and Clary-some twisty relationships, lots of suspense.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.AMAZING! To be read again and again...
This book is the third one in the Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare. As a first time author she is INCREDIBLE! Clare is now my new all-time FAVORITE author (Srry Stephenie, I think she beat you). This book has everything from romance and adventure to suspense, compassion, friendship, and it teaches so many lessons. This book is definitely, without a doubt, the best in this series. I'm so sad it's over :-( It's a great book...plus Jace is smokin' hahahahaha.
A MUST READ! (first read though, City of Bones and City of Ashes)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.From the moment I picked up the first book, The City of Bones, I couldn't put it down. It was torture waiting for this final book to finally come out, and believe me, I was in no way disappointed. This book, and series, contains just the right amount of action, romance, and suspense. IT WAS AMAZING! I highly, HIGHLY, recommend this book to anyone who loved the previous books. If you havn't read its predecessors, I feel very sorry for you. You're missing something crucial to life. Go buy the series and gain true fulfillment as a reader... yeah... it's that good!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 25, 2008
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I got these yesterday and finished the second one today (not even presents couldn't tear me from it)I absoulutly love them! I got on to see when the third one is coming out and i saw the picture of it and screamed then became sad that i have to wait like 3 more months but it will be worth it. I just want Jace and Clary to get together even if they truly are brother and sister. I was so mad that when she went to tell him that she loved him he final decided to be good and just be her brother grrr
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.cubegrl
Posted December 19, 2010
loved this and books 1 and 2...can't wait for book 4!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 28, 2010
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I just got City of Glass yesterday and I finished around 2:00AM this morning. I could not put this book down. It's sad that the series is over, but it ended perfectly. One thing I do have to admit is that I actually cried while reading this. Cassandra did such a good job at creating the characters it was as if I've known them forever. Probably one of the best book series I have ever read. You should really go out and get this book!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ienjoycheesebiscuits
Posted July 23, 2010
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This series was completely amazing. I loved the first, and second books, and i DIED in the last book. I love this series so much! Now stop reading these interviews and go buy the book for yourself!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Sawyer94
Posted June 23, 2010
This book was the perfect ending to the Mortal Instruments series. It had everything that a reader would enjoy in a book. The romance between Clary and Jace is still strong, but the city needs them first and so they put it aside.
Don't ever be discouraged to stop reading it no matter what happens. You may get upset at one point, but keep on reading because everything gets resolved or taken care of one thing or another...
All in all an amazing book that won't disappoint you unless you honestly have no imagination.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I loved this book. It truely summed up all of the loose ends created within the book while still keeping it interesting. I loved the character development throughout the trilogy, and the characters really stay true to themselves in the concluding book.
I will admit, however, that a lot of the 'twists' within this book were very predictible. I would know what was about to happen several chapters in advance and there was very little that surprised me in this book, which was quite contrary to the first book. However, who cares?! The book is so good that even when you know what is going to happen, you can't help but want to see how the characters get to that point.
Overall, a very fulfilling read and a fabulous conclusion to a fantastic trilogy. My only complaint is that it's over and I have nothing to read at the moment haha.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Avery16
Posted June 13, 2010
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WARNING: Extremely emotional and intense book series
An honest opinion without preconceived ideas about the series beforehand were the only biasness comes from my own view.
When I first read about 'The City of Bones' I thought it sounded boy-ish but due to all the reviews I decided to give it a whirl. And yes, it was amazing. The whole series sets such a high standard and are completely absorbing. I loved the characters and the ending of the 1st book actually made me cry and fume in a rage. They are powerful, uplifting but dark and will challenge and make you question your views on everything. I really liked how things in one book became massive points in the other ones. I went through phases with Simon- mainly due to Clary + Jace- and came out the other end liking the brill best friend. I love the way Cassandra Clare writes and the books have at times made me cry(esp. the city of glass), be angry, annoyed, questioning, super on edge yet the characters are so witty and sarcastic that I got pains laughing and I have sat well into the night reading. Also, my friends and I have spent many an hour discussing the books and quoting them. My ultimate favourite books and I have read alot of books. You haven't read anything until you read The Mortals Instruments!!! AND I NEVER LOVED GOLD THIS MUCH- JACE WAYLAND...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 9, 2010
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The Mortal Instruments series is amazing! I dont have a friend who read them that didnt say the same thing. If you are looking for a good series with charcters you never forget, writing that makes you want more, and a plot that is outstanding, this is the one you want to read! Although the ending about the forbidden romance was pretty noticable, it was fun to see all the highs and lows that occured in Clary and Jace's relationship. There isnt a thing that made these books not worth reading. The books that I recomended are either the last published in the series, or is just a single book (Beautiful Creatures).
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
Clary has to use all her ingenuity and newfound magical skills to get herself to the Glass City in Idris, the secretive Shadowhunters’ home country, where she is forbidden to go—for it is only there that she can find the cure to her mother’s enchanted sleeping sickness.
When Valentine attacks the city and destroys the demon towers, Clary and her allies are all who stand between him and the total annihilation of all Shadowhunters. Love is a mortal sin and the past tangles inextricably with the present as Clary and Jace face down their father in this third volume of The Mortal Instruments.