City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Glass

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
ISBN: 978-1-4063-0764-1
Pages: 492
Series: The Mortal Instruments #3
Type: Young Adult Paranormal
Source: Purchased
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Clary Fray has had a rough time. She discovered that she is a Shadowhunter, that she has fallen in love with her brother and that her father is a racist homicidal maniac. Now Clary is travelling to Idris, the true home of all Shadowhunters to discover more about her abilities and to aid in the fight against Valentine. But there are those who would seek to protect her, and those who would betray her, and Clary knows nothing of the world in which she finds herself...least of all who to trust.

This is the third book in the Mortal Instruments series (after City of Bones and City of Ashes) which was initially intended as a trilogy but extended to six books after the author realised there was essentially another trilogy left to tell about these characters. Having finished this book, I agree and I can't wait to see what the author does next.

The story is great and Idris fits into the existing world of the books well. I loved seeing the Shadowhunters' home city of Alicante (even if the name does remind me of a Spanish resort) and it was well developed. The pacing is kept high throughout with lots of twists and turns, although I figured out a major one quite far in advance which dented my enjoyment a bit.

Clary's unusual talents are finally explored in more depth and many secrets from her past are revealed. Simon, however, steals the show as the Daylighter - a vampire with no reaction to sunlight. He reveals so much about the Shadowhunter world that would have remained hidden otherwise and really comes into his own as a character. Another favourite for me in this book is Alec who starts to take a more mature approach to his feelings and abilities.

The ending is cleverly thought out and ties up most of the loose ends to provide a cohesive ending without seeming contrived. However there is ample material for the continuation of the series, and I can't wait to see how the adventures of Clary and friends continue.

All in all this was a great read and I'm really looking forward to City of Fallen Angels.

Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Ending: 10/10
Enjoyment: 10/10
Cover: 9/10

Overall: 47/50