I must say that I had middling expectations for this book because I didn’t like the series on Netflix. Although the story was interesting, the characters ruined it for me. especially Clary. But I wanted to give the books a try because they are so loved.

During the first 300 or so pages I was remotely bored. I liked the main characters even less. I found Clary to be very self-absorbed especially around Simon. She also was kind of hating on Isabelle just because she thought Isabelle was more beautiful than she was and because she thought her best friend was thinking the same thing. Clary was slut-shaming which is nasty and not something you should pass on to young people without addressing how wrong it is.
Jace was extremely obnoxious, rude and narcissistic. It’s good to like yourself but this was also just unhealthy behavior.

Luckily, they changed a little bit which made them a bit more likeable. I just hope they stay this way. I was so happy when I finally found myself enjoying the book. There was much more action, deceive, love and plot twists that made the story much more exciting. The rest of the characters were also really amazing and I loved to read about Luke’s story, I think it’s one of my favorite chapters. I loved Alec, Isabelle and Magnus and I’m very excited to read more about them.

Despite the fact that I was bored during 60% of this book, I do think that part was necessary to understand the characters, the world and its creatures. I’m relieved that the story really gripped me in the last chapters because that convinced me to follow trough with the series. Onto City of Ashes!