booklovinmamas 's review for:

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

4.0

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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City of Glass is the third book in Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series. I actually finished reading it last month (May 2025), but I am just now getting around to writing my review. Originally, this book was intended to be the conclusion of the trilogy, but thankfully, Cassandra decided to continue the series with additional books. I’ve been wanting to read this series for a long time, and after watching the Shadowhunters TV series on Hulu, I’m finally starting to read the series. 

The third book finally provides the answers I’ve been craving since the first book, and I’m grateful that Cassandra included even more points of view, especially concerning Jace. He’s a character I’ve wanted to learn more about, even though he drove me a little crazy in the first book. He and Clary continue to struggle with their feelings for each other despite being supposed siblings. I felt for both of them because they couldn’t shake their feelings. This book reveals the truth about whether they are truly siblings. Unfortunately, they are still dealing with Valentine, who I have to say is an antagonist you will immediately despise. At least I did. 

I loved the other characters who had point-of-views as well, and it was great to get to know even more of them. For instance, Simon, who is Clary’s best friend, is still nerdy and lovable, but now he’s a vampire, and I enjoyed exploring that aspect of his character. Then there’s Alec, whom I’m starting to like even more, especially as he becomes less concerned about what others think, particularly regarding his feelings for a certain Warlock who consistently steals the show for me in this series.

In this book, another antagonist is introduced who will create chaos for everyone, especially Clary. This poor girl has been thrust into a world she’s still trying to understand, largely because her mother kept it hidden from her. However, Clary is strong and resilient, and she is more determined than ever to learn and fight with the other fellow Shadowhunters and her friends. 

This was another enjoyable book in the series, and I give it four stars. I’m really glad that Cassandra decided to continue writing more books. While there were moments when the story dragged a bit, it didn’t stop me from reading. I actually listened to this book because my library had a copy of the audiobook. If you enjoy audiobooks, I highly recommend listening to this series. The narrator, Natalie Moore, does a fantastic job of bringing the world and characters to life.

I am eager to read/listen to the fourth book in the series. Perhaps I can persuade my youngest daughter to read this series as well since she enjoys paranormal and fantasy YA books. I just know she’ll enjoy it as much as I’ve been enjoying it. 

Standalone or Part of Series: It’s the third book in The Mortal Instruments series and needs to be read in order.

Single/Dual/Multi-POV: Multi-POV. 

Would I recommend this book/series? Yes. If you enjoy reading YA Paranormal/Fantasy with vampires, fae, shifters, etc., then this series is a must-read.