City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, #3) in The Mortal Read-Along!

May 19, 2015 Rebecca (whymermaids) rated it really liked it

Clary is annoying and because she’s selfish, stubborn, and dumb she decides to ignore her Shadowhunter “brother” and go to Idris anyway, breaking the law and causing quite a ruckus in doing so.

Of the three books in the series so far, this one has the most action and stands apart from the other two in that it takes place predominantly in Idris, the land of the Shadowhunters.

Valentine is at it again, and now with the first two Mortal Instruments in his hands, he’s looking for the third, and with Clary is annoying and because she’s selfish, stubborn, and dumb she decides to ignore her Shadowhunter “brother” and go to Idris anyway, breaking the law and causing quite a ruckus in doing so.

Of the three books in the series so far, this one has the most action and stands apart from the other two in that it takes place predominantly in Idris, the land of the Shadowhunters.

Valentine is at it again, and now with the first two Mortal Instruments in his hands, he’s looking for the third, and with it, hoping to wipe out the “evil” Shadowhunters who are friends with the Downworlders (vampires, faires, werewolves, and warlocks) and purify the race. Except all the ones that would be left are terrible people, and all the good would be wiped out. But Valentine is crazy, we all knew that, and this book just confirms it.

I liked finally getting the answers to many of the questions Clare posed throughout the previous two books, and finally having the backstory to Valentine-Jocelyn-Jace-Clary cleared up. Thank Goodness. I was getting tired of it, and didn’t believe half of it anyway.

I also liked the change of setting; it was nice to get out of New York and into the Shadowhunter mecca, to see where Jace grew up and learn more about the Clave and the picturesque locale.

In the beginning of the series, I really didn’t like Simon, but as the series as gone on, and he’s evolved (and gotten over Clary, thank goodness), I’ve come to like him more. He’s come into his own and is a stronger character for it, and I love that he’s embraced his new world a bit more, and has two girls fighting over him.

The big reveal was predictable (there were PLENTY of signs), but it was still fun, and I found myself getting into this one a bit more than the other two (despite the odd cutting of scenes). Probably because of all the epicness and battles and whatnot.

This was the original ending to The Mortal Instruments, so it reads like a finale. Big giant epic battle. Everything tied up nicely at the end. An epilogue, even. It just makes me wonder where this can go from here (and HOPE that Clary finally gets over her recklessness and selfishness).

3.5/5 stars ...more

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Sep 07, 2014 Hannah rated it it was amazing

My favourite book in the series so far, it is action packed from the get go and I loved it. There was never a dull moment in this it kept you intoxicated and lost in the story for hours.
I loved the humor in it, the romance sweet, the plot twists were great and just so much yes. This is definitely the best book that I have read this year and I can't wait to read more. Amazing! ...more

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Sep 16, 2014 Andrew Woodham rated it really liked it

Shelves: physical-copy, 2015-read

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

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Apr 24, 2015 Rosie rated it really liked it

'City of Glass' by Cassandra Clare is the third book in 'The Mortal Instruments' series, however it also feels like the concluding act to a trilogy. It continues where 'City of Ashes' left off in the battle against Valentine, and this novel brings that to an epic conclusion.

The whole book builds up on everything set up in the previous two novels, developing the characters, the relationships and constantly adding to the tension that takes you right up until the end. There isn't just the main con 'City of Glass' by Cassandra Clare is the third book in 'The Mortal Instruments' series, however it also feels like the concluding act to a trilogy. It continues where 'City of Ashes' left off in the battle against Valentine, and this novel brings that to an epic conclusion.

The whole book builds up on everything set up in the previous two novels, developing the characters, the relationships and constantly adding to the tension that takes you right up until the end. There isn't just the main conflict to deal with, there is also plenty of internal conflict as well, not least when it comes to Clary who seems to be torn in so many directions, but still, somehow, she remains as Clary. It was also fantastic seeing Idris properly and learning more about Shadowhunter culture.

I, unfortunately, stumbled across a couple of spoilers which did ruin a few of the main twists and shocking events for me - they lost their impact as I was waiting for it to happen. However, while I did get spoiled on the facts, the how was left unknown, and that did help make up for the spoilers. I will say though, that the twists and shocking events are wonderful, tragic and exciting all at the same time.

There is lots more to say about the book, but I want to keep this a spoiler free review for reasons already mentioned, so I cannot mention them all. I will say, however, that as the series progresses, my love for Magnus Bane grows. He is definitely one of my favourite characters and I am so excited to see more of him in the future. Clare does a remarkable job of remembering side characters and bringing them back, while still maintaining their personality. It is these that really add an extra layer to the story and make the world feel real.

I found this book made a really nice conclusion after the first two books, and it will be interesting to see how it sets up for the next set of three books in the series, and where the story continues from there. I do like having the opportunity for a break, especially since I have 'Clockwork Angel' to read as well, which I am also really looking forward to.
...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Stephy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

City of Glass is the third book in the Mortal Instruments series written by Cassandra Clare. The series, along with the Infernal Devices and The Bane Chronicles, just released, develop in a world where shadow hunters look after mundane (humans) safety. Clary and Jace are very special shadow hunters, as somehow their father, Valentine, changed them and now they have abilities no other shadow hunter has.

Clary is planning on going to Alacante with Jace and the Lightwoods. Nevertheless, Jace has a City of Glass is the third book in the Mortal Instruments series written by Cassandra Clare. The series, along with the Infernal Devices and The Bane Chronicles, just released, develop in a world where shadow hunters look after mundane (humans) safety. Clary and Jace are very special shadow hunters, as somehow their father, Valentine, changed them and now they have abilities no other shadow hunter has.

Clary is planning on going to Alacante with Jace and the Lightwoods. Nevertheless, Jace has another plan. He plans on leaving her in New York; therefore she’ll be safe. Jace asks Simon for help; as they are arguing they get attacked. Jace ends taking Simon with him inside the portal. When Clary arrives at the institute she discovers they have left her behind. Then she creates her own portal trough Idiris, goes inside it with Luke following her.
The council doesn’t seem really happy about Jace bringing a vampire to Alacante, hence what they will do with him?
Clary and Luke arrive to Idiris in an illegal way. Luke takes Clary to the city and then goes away. Therefore, what will Cary do in a city she doesn’t know anything about? Will she be able to find the help for her mother? She doesn’t know if she will be able to, nonetheless she will try as hard as possible.

In my view, City of Glass was a compelling book. On one hand we have the main plot about the fight against Valentine, which gets mixed with Clary and Jace past in a fascinating way. Not forgetting about the character developing that in my opinion suffered some of the characters. Clary changes from a scared little girl, to a kick-ass woman. Jace seem to find out how to express his feelings. Alec seems more mature and fearless. Moreover, Simon has become in this witty sarcastic person, who I founded more likeable than the weak scared Simon. Furthermore, there are quite a few shocking moments like what happened to Max (I still can’t believe it!)
On the other hand there were some predictable moments. In addition to that there was a point from when I knew almost everything what was going to happen.

In conclusion, City of Glass was a good book. An absorbing read that made worth it reading the non-so good previous book. I would recommend continuing with the series even if you were disappointed by City of Ashes. It does get better. ...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Out_of_Bounds Reading rated it it was amazing

Shelves: online, bcb-done

4.5/5 stars

So, I have finally finished the first three books of the Mortal Instruments and I feel like... now, I understand the fandom. I really do love this series and the characters. They just become a part of you so fast, its hard not to love them.

As for CoG, I got a little bored on some parts but overall it was amazing. I was sad to see one character go, that I did not expect to go. Its also weird that with all the spoilers going around this series, I only knew a couple things. I did not kno ...more

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Aug 03, 2011 Rachel Torres rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: my-bookshelf, audiobook, 4-stars

**2020** A little harder to ignore the gross incest rereading as an adult, but also easier to forgive as I know how it ends. Still, a really well done conclusion to this trilogy and it's made me eager to continue my Shadowhunter Chronicles reread. 6 down....11 more to go :)

**2011** I thoroughly enjoy this book and it solidified my love for this series as I did have trouble falling in love with the first two books. My favourite parts include Simon, Malec, Jace being a decent human and closure. ...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Amy Hayes rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio-book, amy-s-big-book-challenge-2105

The best of the first three, in my opinion. Loved the action, watching the characters grow and having mysteries/questions answered. Looking forward to book 4.

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