3.75/5 stars

I really did enjoy this book, but not as much as City of Bones. The whole Jace and Clary thing really bothered me. It seemed like the main focus of the plot and just made me mad. It felt unrealistic. I think in most cases finding out you kissed your own brother/sister would completely drive away any feelings you had for each, but this wasn't the case. Then adding Simon into the picture and it was just weird, especially the "bedroom make out scene" where Clary is all like "kissing Simon is comfortable"??? Her character seems inconsistent. At times she can be assertive and speak her mind and at other times she just goes with what others tell her. She also makes really rash decisions and at times she is quick to catch some important piece of information, and at other times she's completely oblivious. I did think the scene when she called Luke her father was heartbreaking and I definitely felt my throat swell up (I don't cry when I read books). Alec also annoyed me a little in this book. For a good 3/4 of it, he didn't do much except hide the fact that he's gay and dating Magnus. There wasn't a lot of character development for him until the end of the book during the battle on the ship, but at the same time I wasn't sure if his bravery was due to the fearless rune or something else. Isabelle was also a disappointment. Her character was pretty much non-existent and she didn't have much character development either. What redeemed this book was definitely Valentine. I hate him with a vengeance, but he's just so good at making me hate him that I can't help liking his character. His storyline and plot throughout the book really kept me going and wanting to find out more. He's evil and messed up and also unpredictable and it makes the story really interesting. Also the entire time I was picturing Alan van Sprang as him and it just works so well!!

Still plan to continue with the series, but might take a break and reading something a little different :)