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16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
One for the fans, 12 April 2009
Whether you like this book turns on whether you're interested in the relationship between Jace and Clary because it's instrumental to the story. Previously portrayed in a shallow way, Clare does try to go deeper into the emotional consequences of incest, but this doesn't go much further than Jace repeating that he's a monster and Clary telling him that he's not. Much of the problem is that the resolution of this storyline isn't really in doubt, meaning that the stakes are unnecessarily artificial and it goes on for too long.
Clare handles her set pieces well and the action scenes are pacy and authentic. Descriptions are vivid (notably a flashback in Valentine's lab) and although the prose still strays into purple at times, it's more restrained than in the earlier books. Unfortunately there is a certain drift to the plot at times. Clary's search for a cure for her mother is too readily sidelined by other events (notably her relationship with Jace) and the resolution takes place off-page, robbing it of any resonance. Similarly a character death should give those affected by it an emotional kick and making for a moving reading, but again is handled superficially. Unforgiveable is the fact that Clare recycles a plot twist from CITY OF BONES - the idea that Shadowhunters don't have up-to-date photographs of each other. Just as it didn't work there, it doesn't work here. I also had issues understanding why a Shadowhunter would disguise their appearance through hair dye rather than the use of magic.
With such a large cast, it's difficult for Clare to wrap up each of their storylines in a satisfying way. Simon and Alex fare better than Luke and Isabelle, although Clare does weave in characters referred to or seen in the earlier books. Clary continues to be bland and somewhat irritating, for all her Mary-Sue superpowers and Jace is arrogant, smug and sold as a hottie. At times the dialogue doesn't quite seem to fit the characters (particularly jarring is when a US-raised character uses the British expression `knobhead') and the repartee is more suited to 30-somethings than teens.
Fans will be delighted with the conclusion and Clare leaves open the potential for more books set in this world, which will no doubt be popular.
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5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Please don't let this be the end!, 18 April 2009
I read the other two books in the series and enjoyed them that much that I couldn't wait for the July UK release date for City of Glass so ordered it from a US seller. It was well worth the extra expense! If you enjoy fantasy fiction with a hint of romance you will love this. The writing is descriptive yet engaging, the central characters distinct and beleiveable. It is also incredibly humerous. I hope this is not the end of the series.
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2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'm in love with this series!!, 28 Oct 2009
A Kid's Review
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.
As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her new found powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?
You know when you stay up so late reading, even when you know that you have to get up in the morning? Yeah, this book made me stay up till three 'o' clock in the morning. But apart from the fact that it caused sleep loss it was just as amazing as its prequels. The plot line had so many twists, making me jump up and down with excitement. And I have to admit I did shed a few tears at the last chapter (I think... again I cant check, my mother has stolen it). I noticed that this book was slightly more well written than its prequels, which was good, even though it was told in Third Person, which kind of annoys me.
As I said before, the characters in this book are probably the best characters I have read. Before I start gushing about characters, I have to bully Sebastian. He had a very twisted, evil mind (duuu, Chloe, he is the bad guy...), I couldn't stand him. I practically punched the book I hated him so much. Simon became more tolerable in this book, which was good. And Clary was also more like able, as she was a bit irritating in the middle of book two. Jace was great, as ever. And finally, they found out the fact that I already knew from spoiler forums. :)
So yes, I enjoyed this book, probably more than the other books in the series. I cant wait to see what CC writes next, and I will most definitely buy it on the day it comes out.
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