City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, #3)

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City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3)

by Cassandra Clare (Goodreads Author)

4.37 of 5 stars 4.37 · rating details · 204,384 ratings · 9,580 reviews

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...more

Hardcover, 1st Edition, 541 pages

Published March 24th 2009 by Margaret K. McElderry Books (first published 2009)

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Oct 06, 2009 Cara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Cara by: Tori & Victoria

Shelves: fantasy, series, paranormal

I had begun reading this laying down and drinking the words in steadily but before I knew it I was sitting on the edge of the sofa and forcing to keep up my eyes focused enough not to move too far ahead. I promised myself I wasn't going to write a spoiler review though I really wanted to. Without giving spoilers I can't stress how much a certain line did this or what took me by surprise but y'all are just going to have to read it to feel and see what I felt.

EVERYTHING is finally explained. Tha...more I had begun reading this laying down and drinking the words in steadily but before I knew it I was sitting on the edge of the sofa and forcing to keep up my eyes focused enough not to move too far ahead. I promised myself I wasn't going to write a spoiler review though I really wanted to. Without giving spoilers I can't stress how much a certain line did this or what took me by surprise but y'all are just going to have to read it to feel and see what I felt.

EVERYTHING is finally explained. Thank goodness! It was fun to guess along the way to see if you were right. Sometimes I was off and not entirely sure but part of the excitement is having the dawning relization of "Oh yeah!!! I can see that now!" Definitely is the best of the series and not only because of the plot and resolution, but because of the development of the characters. As far as I could see Clary grows the least but she does. She always was a little more "emotionally" in tune more than the others were. The character that makes HUGE strides is Jace. He started to grow on me in the second book but I absolutely get him now. There is this one line that he says (it's cheesy but who cares) that made me totally melt. *WARNING* if you don't like moments bordering on the cheesy side you may want to read something depressing instead. All the characters we have grown attached to have grown up to be a better version of themselves. One of the most impressive ones I'd say (other than Jace) is Isabelle, which is displayed well in the conversation she has with Clary in the kitchen.

This book is charged with all the elements we are used to but make them ten fold because this is the end. Emotions, battles, loss, betrayl, surprises, and even the jokes carry that much more meaning to them. Out of all the books this one would have to be the most serious. I know that there was always the element of sudden danger, but this one is more so and we don't get to see as many sacrastic comments (which is understandable) but there are still there to ease the tenison.

I want to gush and gush over everyting but I had to say Valentine seemed to fit into the series finally. I always felt he wasn't a villain material but he is, and I can't say why because again a spoiler. Best way to wrap up the series and say goodbye to the Shadowhunter world.

Later note: Find out there is a fourth one! City of Fallen Angels (less)

113 likes · like · see review

Feb 16, 2013 Palice Pottle rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: why-am-i-reading-this-shit, wtf-is-with-the-cover, shit-on-paper-i-tell-ya, chocolate-gimme-my-chocolate, hate-a-female-character, hate-a-male-character, hate-all-characters, hate-most-characters, i-should-get-a-trophy-for-finishing, needs-cutting, really-needs-cutting, those-descriptions-so-not-needed, that-simile-makes-no-sense, could-ve-been-better, dissappointed

While reading this book, my head would droop like an unwatered flower. Then it would rise like a balloon in anger. I’d throw the book across the room, it’s cover open like a pair of wings. Jace’s constant descriptions would make my brain itch, like a pair of silky fingers… like hot metal, like glass needles in the sky, like white powder, like quartz, like – Oh, GOD I CAN’T DO THIS.

I'll tell you about that in a sec, let's get down with the plot. Oh, and I'm not even gonna bother trying to keep t...more

144 likes · like · see review

May 08, 2013 Marcy Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE!

Shelves: myalltimefaves, reading-challenge-2009, reading-challenge-2010, reading-challenge-2012, reading-challenge-2013

It goes without saying that I am a lover of books. Stories, characters, and delicious prose...well...these are things that I throw myself into. My shelves are filled with countless books that i have read and loved, stories that I have enjoyed reading.
I have never enjoyed reading a book as much as I enjoyed this one. Never.

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 directl...more

72 likes · like · see review

Jan 17, 2013 Rinoa Heartilly rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: stoopid-with-a-capital-q, all-my-hate

So, I'm just going to save you from having to read this book:

Everyone, except Clary: WOHOO, we're going to Alicante!!!!
Clary: *moping* ohnoes, they left me behind! But with my super special unicorn powers I can get there myself, although it was said that that's impossible!
Aldertree: YOU GOING TO JAIL!!
Simon: Crap, but I guess someone will get me out of jail soon...
*300 pages later*
...hello?
Sebastian/Jonathan: Hello, I'm a new character introduced only to make sense of this mess. Want to make out...more

113 likes · like · see review

Jul 04, 2012 Kira rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: angels-and-demons, awesome-ya, favorites, non-shitty-vampires, werewolves, ya, awesome-heroine, awesome-romance, better-than-the-first-one, sentimental-value, so-action-packed-i-peed

I'm going to review this properly.

��

59 likes · like · see review

Mar 30, 2009 Sophie Riggsby rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: dont-tell-others-youre-my-fave, hot-boys-with-swords, chemistry-101

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The end of the Mortal Instruments trilogy brings with it nothing short of a big wide grin. If I could I would've given it 4 and 3/4 stars just a little shy of the coveted 5. The reason? Well, if I had one eensyteensy critique, it would be that it wrapped up a little too neatly. Conversely, you are thinking what if it didn't wrap up neatly, then I would be complaining about that and yes, you are correct.

I love Cassandra Clare's writing style. Her incredibly rich characterizations. And a plot that...more

31 likes · like · see review

Feb 21, 2011 Scarlet rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: angels, demons, paranormal, fantasy, amazing, vampires, werewolves, witch-wizard, magic, review, signed-by-author

Oh lord. I had to delete what I wrote here because it's just too painful to re-read my spazztastical fangirlng from some of my older reviews.

I will say that yes, I enjoyed this series, but lately I've been on edge with C. Clare after hearing about her past involving fanfition and plagiarism.

*sighs*

19 likes · like · see review

Apr 19, 2013 Sandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: don-t-like-the-main-character, horrible-bad-boring-beginnings, love-triangles, omfg, reviewed-books, panic-attack

3.5 stars to the worst book in the Immortal Instruments series so far. So far

Clary

Jace

“There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then.”

If you haven't read the first book - City of Bones, then i highly advice you to not read my review, as i'm not going to explain who are the characters, and you might get confused. There are going to be SPOILERS TOO!

Let my start of with - HOW THE HECK...more

10 likes · like · see review

Jul 26, 2012 Danielle (Devourer of Books) rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: not one. don't buy it.

Shelves: i-hate-this-book, angels-or-fallen-angels, annoying-character-s, demons, faeries, good-lord-wtf-is-this, vampires, wolves-or-shapeshifters, witches-wizards-warlocks, not-my-cup-of-tea, i-cant-believe-i-actually-read-this, i-had-high-hopes-for-this, oh-oh-oh-its-magic, covers-that-make-you-go-ughhh, stupid-romance

EDIT! So, apparently I have a lot of errors in this rant -- a lot. I'm just too darn lazy to fix them, though. Sooo.... yeah.

This review is going to contain swear words, spoilers, rants, and complaints. If you can't handle my bluntness and curse words, don't even read it. Well, to be honest, this isn't a real review, this is a huge rant -- the longest I've ever written in my entire life, and the last.

I really want to do this to myself after reading up to page 314:

I know how this is going to end...more

34 likes · like · see review

Nov 07, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

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...more

8 likes · like · see review

Mar 26, 2009 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, signed-books

Why am I finding it so difficult to write this review. I’ve been stewing for days– literally– writing this review in my head– while I’m trying to fall asleep, while I’m in the shower, while driving, which really isn’t such a good idea, and yet everything has ended up crap. Although I did have something going before I feel asleep the other night, and of course I have forgotten it.

I’m saddened to see this series end, but even so I thought that it ended perfectly. No cookie cuter, sweetened overlo...more Why am I finding it so difficult to write this review. I’ve been stewing for days– literally– writing this review in my head– while I’m trying to fall asleep, while I’m in the shower, while driving, which really isn’t such a good idea, and yet everything has ended up crap. Although I did have something going before I feel asleep the other night, and of course I have forgotten it.

I’m saddened to see this series end, but even so I thought that it ended perfectly. No cookie cuter, sweetened overload, ending. Just a perfectly seamless ending. Sure I’d like to know what may happen next, but I’m perfectly content with leaving that open to my own realm of possibility.

The Mortal Instruments is on of my favorite series’ and City of Glass is now one of my all time favorite novels. Cassandra Clare is an amazing story-teller. Sure some parts of the novel were a little predictable, but I can honestly say that didn’t bother me. The subtle clues that Clare had placed within the previous two novels, came rushing back with clarity and I was aghast with how I had missed so much before!

As much as I wanted to read this book, there was a small part of me that didn’t. While I’d devoured Clare’s previous novels in a day, I took my time to relish in this final chapter. I was emotionally invested in these characters, and I didn’t want to see it end. And yet as the novel progressed, I was content as it came to a close. Clare kept true to her characters, she didn’t change their characterization because she wanted the novel to end a certain way, and I think I feel the need to appraise that more than anything. Too many times in a series, do I see characters take a dramatic turn just to enhance the story. Sure characters grow and develop that is expected, but don’t solidify a characters persona only to destroy it.

The exceptional writing and the articulate plot kept me engaged and entertained, but for me it was the superb cast of characters that kept me reading this series.

Speaking of exceptional writing. Clare has it going on. It takes a lot for me to get into imagery. I just can’t imagine something that is being described to me, well most of the time. There are a few exceptions and Clare’s writings is one of them. And not only that but, I love that fact that she clearly gives each character a distinct voice. When I read her dialogue I know who is talking right away. And I love that!

What else can I say... I loved this books. I love this series. It’s everything a good novel should be and then some. And I love how pretty the books look on my bookshelf. :)(less)

10 likes · like · see review

Jan 20, 2012 Jamie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Jamie by: MISS VAIN

Shelves: angels, dark-and-gritty, books-i-obsess-over, books-that-break-my-heart, demons, fae, kick-ass-heroines, favorites, magic, multi-pov, series-i-can-t-wait-to-continue, shifters, vampires, ya, unbelievably-sexy-heros

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Um, woah! I haven't finished CoG yet, but I have already read this scene in the book from Clarey's perspective. I know it's not right to swoon over a supposed incestuous scene (which I'm still convinced it's not incestuous - too many hints about that damned Sebastian) but can Jace be any hotter? Really?

Cassandra Clare is a great talent to make me swoon over a 17-year-old.

Merged review:

Sigh.......

Merged review:

This was an epic third book in the Mortal Instruments series. There is a lot of action...more

6 likes · like · see review

Dec 31, 2010 Amelia, the pragmatic idealist rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: series-books, ya-kids-teen, 2009, simon-schuster, own, paranormal, annoying-protagonist, mc-girl

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Warning: I wrote this review in September 2009, way before I started a book review blog and learned how to write somewhat-more-lucid reviews. When I wrote this, I was in the habit of having a grande latte every night and lots and lots of biscotti. Please consider that my review style has been reformed :)

Okay, I just finished my 1st re-read last night, hoping that reviewing the content would finally enable me to write a review.
- My first thoughts are that this is a GREAT conclusion to a series t...more Warning: I wrote this review in September 2009, way before I started a book review blog and learned how to write somewhat-more-lucid reviews. When I wrote this, I was in the habit of having a grande latte every night and lots and lots of biscotti. Please consider that my review style has been reformed :)

Okay, I just finished my 1st re-read last night, hoping that reviewing the content would finally enable me to write a review.
- My first thoughts are that this is a GREAT conclusion to a series that has sparked some mixed reactions out of me. Never before have I found myself so confused over a continuing storyline. "Well Amelia, do you like it or not?" Off the top of my head, I would have to say, I *do* like the Mortal Instruments series, and especially Glass.

In this final installment (that's not-so-final after all) secrets are spilled, action is intense, and the series hits the ground running, then slows down, then speeds up, then practically grinds to a stop, then picks up again, then drops off the edge. I did get my $20 and my happily-ever-after (I GUESS) for Clary & Jace...but i would have liked more completion and a little more finality. I just love JK Rowling's epilogue--by projecting characters so many years into the future, you as the reader feel safe in the knowledge that harry is "all right." And in the town of "I-Actually-Liked-The-Way-The-Twilight-Series-Ended, Pop.15" you as the reader are assured by Stephenie Meyer of the finality of the characters (married with children...cant get any more final than that). For goodness sake, I got more closure out of Rick Riordan at the end of The Last Olympian! Yes, Jace and Clary end up together, but there's a lingering question in the back of my mind that asks, "what makes them any different from Valentine and Jocelyn? or Stephen and Amatis?"
One thing I will admit: it was a long time coming, but now I *actually* like Simon! Now that he's not pining for Clary and he's making himself useful, I found myself thinking, "you know, he really is a good, well-rounded character! He does have his moments!"
- Sebastian=brilliance. I absolutely LOVED him. He seemed to balance out Valentine nicely: you have your evil, albeit misunderstood/disillusioned bad guy, and then you have your completely evil, no redemptive, no redeeming qualities whatsoever, just downright evil character. And I loved him for that. I love that some villains are just bad. There's nothing to them, there doesnt HAVE to be anything to them. They're bad and they need to be stopped. And the fight scene between Sebastian and Jace at the very end of the book was reminiscent of "Duel of the Fates" and was nearly perfect except for one little hitch: stupid Isabelle. COME ON, CASSIE CLARE! The good guy doesnt/shouldnt need any help killing the bad guy! It was very underwhelming. You have this "Duel of the Fates" scene and suddenly, here comes Cosmo Girl to the rescue! *facepalm* But that's just my opinion. It's my opinion that Jace shoulda been able to take care of the bad guy on his own...please quit griping about how I think it's weird. For me, it's very anti-climactic and a little underwhelming for the good guy to not be able to eliminate the bad guy. *shrugs* Guess Jace isn't that good of a Shadowhunter after all. But it's only my opinion, and this is my review...So, can we all agree to disagree? Yes? Okay, thanks.

And now it's over...but not quite! Very interested for March to roll around so I can see what happens NEXT!(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 03, 2010 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, angels-and-demons, warriors, vampires, werewolves, mages-or-witches, books-i-go-rabid-over, books-i-own, my-hottie-harem, author-cassandra-clare, drinks-on-me, covers-to-covet, re-read, lgbt, favorites, read-in-2010, to-read

City of Glass was one of my favourite books for a long time. One of the most heartbreaking moments of that book is when Jace spends the night with Clary. No sex, no touching except for their clasped hands and yet, it was just as special as a night filled with passion if not more. Before he leaves, Jace writes a heartfelt letter for Clary explaining his actions and choices. He reveals his true feelings and in a way, says goodbye. For such a short letter, it had a lot of heart. This was a wonderfu...more

12 likes · like · see review

Jan 29, 2009 Samantha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

14 likes · like · see review

Dec 20, 2008 Karin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: youngadult, 2008-reads, vampires, favorites, werewolves

March 2009

The third and final installment in the Mortal Instruments trilogy definitely lives up to the reputation of the first two – CITY OF BONES and CITY OF ASHES. CITY OF GLASS picks up a short time after CITY OF ASHES ends. Clary has a mission. Madeleine, her mother’s friend, is possibly the only person who knows how to wake her mother from a coma. Clary will have to travel to Alicante in Idris to get what she needs.

Alicante is the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters. It is known as the City...more March 2009

The third and final installment in the Mortal Instruments trilogy definitely lives up to the reputation of the first two – CITY OF BONES and CITY OF ASHES. CITY OF GLASS picks up a short time after CITY OF ASHES ends. Clary has a mission. Madeleine, her mother’s friend, is possibly the only person who knows how to wake her mother from a coma. Clary will have to travel to Alicante in Idris to get what she needs.

Alicante is the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters. It is known as the City of Glass because of the beautifully tall glass towers that guard the city from harm. The only way to get to Idris is through a portal and Magnus, the warlock, has arranged one. Clary is planning to go through the portal with Jace and the Lightwoods. The only problem is, Jace doesn’t want Clary to go so he lies to her about when he and the Lightwoods are leaving. He thinks it is too dangerous for Clary.

After being left behind, Clary eventually finds her way to Alicante. She uses her ability to create runes and makes a portal for herself. Being new to the Shadowhunter world, Clary doesn’t know that using a portal and entering the city without permission is against the law. If she is found she could be put to death.

Once in the City of Glass, Clary is thrown in the middle of the largest battle the Shadowhunters have ever had to face. Valentine’s evil plans are in the final stages and everyone is on full alert, not knowing what he will do next. Jace and Clary’s complicated relationship keeps them just as confused as ever, but provides great excitement for the reader.

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. One thing Cassandra Clare fans need to keep an eye out for is the release of THE CLOCKWORK PRINCESS: VOLUME 1 of THE INFERNAL DEVICES. THE INFERNAL DEVICES is a trilogy of prequels set one hundred and forty years ago in Victorian England. Tessa, a warlock, is the main character. The first prequel to the Mortal Instruments trilogy is scheduled to be released Fall 2010.

(less)

10 likes · like · see review

Oct 10, 2012 Brittney rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, angels-demons, fairies, vampires, obsessed

SO FUCKING AWESOME.
Definitely the best of the series. this book was mind blowingly amazing. yes the fabulosity of this book is making me say stupid descriptive words and phrases, it was that good. I would give this book ten stars if it'd let me. the characters' personalities really came out in this one too; i even liked simon by the end of it. i loved all the components of City of Glass and i'm totally ready to read the next one in this series.

4 likes · like · see review

Feb 26, 2013 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads, favorites, magical-fantasy

"But God knows, I don't want anyone but you. I don't even want to want anyone but you."

Omg. I can't even handle my life right now. So many emotions!!! This book tore my heart out, then put it back together several times. I can't even explain how I'm feeling now. Overwhelmed? Maybe. Insanely happy? Quite possibly. Craving the next book in the series? ABSOLUTELY! I need it now.

"I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there's a life after that, I'll love you then."

This book is everythin...more

5 likes · like · see review

May 18, 2012 The Cover Contessa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, paranormal, 2012-reads, extras, lendable

I really just love Jace. Would have loved to have this in the actual book.

Merged review:

Oh how I love this book!

Merged review:

Sighs...I just love this scene from Jace's POV. It's so powerful.

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Pretty much the same as the scene in the book. I loved when I read Jace's POV, as well.

Merged review:

Oh Jace...you make me cry!

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Oh Ms. Clare, what are you doing to me? This book was, FANTASTIC! I could not put it down. I was sneaking in peeks whenever I could! I stayed up late last...more

6 likes · like · see review

Nov 30, 2012 Susana rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cassandra-clare, 2012

1,5 stars

I think that my ideas at times....suck...big time!!
What was I thinking? To re-read a story that in my memory i had liked....well, i didn't liked it this time! Because in the meanwhile i've read just too many good books. Who i guess ruined me for this kind of pointless drama.

The plot and the characters just felt completely irrelevant this second time around, and i had a really hard time convincing myself to finish it.

It is really hard to develop some kind of interest in a character that...more

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 15, 2012 Zero vi Britannia rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: did-this-book-even-have-an-editor, useless-lead-character, waste-of-trees, why-did-i-do-this-to-myself-again, not-bad, why-rowling-had-to-use-her-initials

No way in hell is the book keeping those four stars.
And it didn't!
More detailed review later. I promise.

And I always keep my promises.

This book is a perfect lesson in "be careful what you wish for." Back when I first started reading TMI I was looking for a book that could fill the void left in my heart by Harry Potter and remind of how I felt whenever I read a new Harry Potter book. What I got was this. TMI and City of Glass especially is a rip-off of Harry Potter. But more on that later

Lake Ly...more

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Apr 13, 2011 Debra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: to-read

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
I have to say that right out of the gate I didn't trust and I didn't like Sebastian! However, there was a part of me.............a small part, maybe smaller than deserved that couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for him, since it wasn't his fault he was experimented on!! I guess what prevented me from having more sympathy for him is in my view Jonathan, the real Jonathan was essentially killed in his mother's womb thanks to Valentine and this abomination was what was left. I pretty much guessed wh...more

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Apr 06, 2011 Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Young and old alike

Recommended to Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) by: My son Randy

Shelves: could-not-put-it-down-books, read-more-than-once, love-the-audio

Beautiful. There is something about Jace's love for Clary that surpasses all others in any YA books I have read. This letter is beautiful and I am so glad I bought the special edition with the letter.

Merged review:

I loved all three books of this series, but this is my favorite. I read them all in three days before leaving for TwiCon in 2009 and sure did not intend to be reading that week! I literally read day and night. Then when I got to Dallas I found so many people who had also read these boo...more Beautiful. There is something about Jace's love for Clary that surpasses all others in any YA books I have read. This letter is beautiful and I am so glad I bought the special edition with the letter.

Merged review:

I loved all three books of this series, but this is my favorite. I read them all in three days before leaving for TwiCon in 2009 and sure did not intend to be reading that week! I literally read day and night. Then when I got to Dallas I found so many people who had also read these books to talk to about them! Each book was better than the one before building to an incredible climax in this book. If my house had been burning down around me I would not have put it down at that point. There is a lot of action in this book, a huge battle, discoveries about the past and more than one relationship that I didn't see coming. I have read this book three times and I have only done that with Twilight. There are so many unique quotes in here and twists and turns that it is truely a joy to read. Love Jace....

Later Edit: I have read this series four times now and have the audio CD's. Every time I read them I notice things I didn't pick up on the previous times. I have more and more come to appreciate the beautiful descriptions that this author writes literally making me "see" what is happening in living color. She brings New York to me with not only the sights but the smells and the feel of the place. I have never lived in a city, but feel as if I have experienced the dirt and grime as well as the beauty of this one through Clary's eyes. I almost feel as if I could find my way around the Institute and know what it would be like to go up and down in that creaky elevator.

But most of all these characters are alive and not only the main ones. I was discussing these books with my brother who has read them twice and we were talking about how great the banter between Jace and Simon, Alec and Isabel and all of them together is. My brother said, "If this author just sat all these characters down around a table and let them talk for an entire book, I would read it." Throw in Raphael and Magnus of course and how fun that would be to listen in on My two sons, my daughters in laws and my granddaughters all consider these books, and especially this one, as all time favorites. There are some lines in this book that are simply priceless. My favorite is, "'Good night', she whispered. With their hands clasped like children in a fairy tale, she fell asleep beside him in the dark."

But then you need to read the book to realize how beautiful this is. I am pretty sure that Jace and Clary will remain my all time favorite YA book couple.(less)

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Oct 16, 2009 Valerie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

This book is just mostly for entertainment. But if you've already read the first two you already know this. When I finished I let out a sigh of gratitude. I finished! No more questions and no more wondering.

The characters are still there growing strong. Clary is still impetuous but she is also still very caring. Jace tries to go above a beyond to protect her but he also has to fight his own demons (get it "demons", well at least I'm trying). Lucian stays the same for the most part; you see him...more

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Jul 29, 2009 Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: five-stars, glbt, own-physical, favorites, own-signed

This book wasted my time. Instead of going to play tennis or work out at the gym with my friends, I read this book. Instead of packing for the trip I have to go on tomorrow, I read this book. Instead of going to the mall with my friends and watching a movie, I read this book. And I loved it.

"City Of Glass" is the third and final (sob) installment of the Mortal Instruments series, and is about Shadowhunter Clarissa Fray, who continues to be a hotheaded redhead that is in love with her own brother...more

11 likes · like · see review

Feb 25, 2009 Dorothy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-challenge-2009

IT IS MADE OF WIN! Pure win, actually. It didn't leave me questioning anything on an annoying level like some final books do and I thought that everything was tied up neatly without being too happily tied together in an unrealistic way.

The characters remained true to the way that we know them. Clary still doesn't listen to what she's told to do, but how else could the book move forward if she suddenly obeyed people? Jace is still snarktastic, though slightly more "angst-ridden teen" this time ar...more IT IS MADE OF WIN! Pure win, actually. It didn't leave me questioning anything on an annoying level like some final books do and I thought that everything was tied up neatly without being too happily tied together in an unrealistic way.

The characters remained true to the way that we know them. Clary still doesn't listen to what she's told to do, but how else could the book move forward if she suddenly obeyed people? Jace is still snarktastic, though slightly more "angst-ridden teen" this time around and, as we already know, is extremely displeased with Clary being in Alicante. Simon is wonderfully heartbreaking at points, Isabelle has several shining moments, Alec (we all know how I feel about Alec) becomes a very different person in Idris, but I think it's a good thing. It's like he grew up between NYC and Alicante and is now acting his age. He constantly reminds everyone that he is 18, making him an adult, and giving a need to be more responsible. Speaking of Alec, Magnus is as fabulous as ever. There are times when we see a different side of Magnus than the sprakly warlock we got used to in New York, but they definitely add a real depth to his character.

And then there are the new characters, like Sebastian, the new Inquisitor, Aline, and others. Personally, I thought Sebastian was charming throughout the book. It was very interesting to see the way he progressed as a character throughout, because he went from being someone we didn't know to someone we like (although, of course, Jace hates him). The new Inquisitor is an interesting character who kind of reminded me of a mix between Fudge and Umbridge in Harry Potter: Scared and afraid to admit that something big is about to happen.

As for the plot of this one, I thought that some things were predictable and I got them right from the time when things were introduced. There were other things that came out of nowhere (in my opinion) but that were just what needed to happen in order for things to work. I can't really say much about it, because I feel like anything I could say here would be spoilery. But trust me: It's like a roller coaster ride in the dark. Ever been on Sapce Mountain in Disney? You never know which turn is going to jolt you next and you're nervous that you're going to plummet down into the dark.. Yeah, that's how this book felt sometimes. But in a good way.

The sheer irony of some of the things that happened literally had me laughing out loud. Other things were so subtle and perfect that they made the book ten times better with a single line. In fact, my favorite part of the entire thing was a small fragment of a sentence that it seems everyone else I talk to seems to have glazed over slowly--but then they go back and see it once I point it out. But that's the beauty of this book ^.^

Some books that are the final in a series or trilogy tend to leave me wanting more or questioning things; they aren't tied up well enough for me to be satisfied. I felt that way with Breaking Dawn and Deathly Hallows and countless other stories, but City of Glass really left me feeling as though the story actually was complete. I didn't feel like there needs to be another book or any further explanation about what happens to the characters. I mean, yes, I'd like to know what happens to so-and-so and how so-and-so is ten years down the road, but now I can imagine it in my head and it'll be fine.

So after eight hours of straight reading (dear God, the headache that followed and exhaustion knocked me out before my head actually hit the pillow), I'm happy to say that it was the perfect ending, IMHO, and I hope that everyone will enjoy it as much as I did. This is definitely one of my favorite books, if not my *absolute* favorite. It was brilliant.(less)

13 likes · like · see review

Apr 16, 2010 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, sci-fi-fantasy

*speechless*
Okay. I hate spoilers so I've been sitting on this review for a while now. I'm doing this Tasha style.
1. I LOVED finally getting to the Glass City and being able to be apart that world.
2. I LOVED Simon in this book. YAY for Alec! Luke is a keeper. BUT most importantly-- Oh Jace. *sighs*
3. Still don't like the name Clary, but I liked her so much more in this book than any of the others that it grew on me.
4. I have ONE main complaint with this book and that's the rushed, slightly off e...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 29, 2010 Kaitlyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 50-book-challenge

All I have to say is WOW! I have to rate this a five stars just because it was so amazing.

4 likes · like · see review

Jan 04, 2012 nxlee rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: how-about-never

Video of me ranting about this book? It can be found HERE. Full, written review is further down below.

So with some of the covers, we get a lovely quote on the front cover from our favourite, noteworthy author Stephenie Meyer who claims this book is "a story world I love to live in."

Yes, because having Stephenie Meyer quote on the front cover of your book means we're DEFINITELY in good hands! Although you can make the argument how clever it was, marketing-wise to ride on the coat tails of the Tw ...more

8 likes · like · see review

Aug 04, 2011 Marian rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: to-read

The best o the three books. I love City of Glass. Here, Jace and Clary learned that they weren't really brother and sister. Also, Alec had announced his love for Magnus and was able to introduce him to his parents. Simon survived the attempt of being killed by the vampires because of his amazing and exceptional trait. Jocelyn has been awake from the spell that she had casted onto herself. All this was predictable, I knew these events were going to happen yet I still feel happy for them and I lov...more

2 likes · like · see review

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Sebastian or Jace?	4	10	1 hour, 44 min ago
what is a good series or book to read?	33	62	6 hours, 25 min ago
Why do you think Clary recgonizes Tessa?	176	1827	May 18, 2013 02:26pm
The Mortal Instru...: whats you favorite part in the book?	11	32	May 17, 2013 01:21pm
The infamous WORD GAME!	122	137	May 17, 2013 04:33am
Have you ever thought about if Jace...	10	103	May 01, 2013 12:08pm

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About Cassandra Clare

Hello Goodreadsers. Here's my official bio:

"Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilo...more

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Books by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)

City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, #2)

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1)

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, #4)

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2)

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Quotes from City of Glass

“There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then.” — 9,594 people liked it

“And now I’m looking at you,” he said, “and you’re asking me if I still want you, as if I could stop loving you. As if I would want to give up the thing that makes me stronger than anything else ever has. I never dared give much of myself to anyone before – bits of myself to the Lightwoods, to Isabelle and Alec, but it took years to do it – but, Clary, since the first time I saw you, I have belonged to you completely. I still do. If you want me.” — 4,988 people liked it

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City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3)

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