In this third book in "The Mortal Instruments" series, the irresistible attraction between Clary and her brother Jace comes to a crisis that could bring death to at least one of them, if not the entire demon-fighting, secret world of Shadowhunters. Their sibling relationship, revealed by their bad-guy father Valentine at the end of their previous adventure, has put a kibosh on their budding romance, but not on the forbidden feelings that continue to torment both of them. But in the even greater battle to come, a deadly new ingredient will be added to the already simmering emotional cauldron: another brother...

Partly to get away from her, and partly to protect her, Jace tries to keep Clary from joining him and the Lightwood family on a trip to the secret Shadowhunter citadel of Idris, the City of Glass. What he doesn't plan on is Clary's friend, the fledgling vampire Simon, being dragged along on the trip. Though he has the mysterious and unique ability to walk in sunlight, Simon is no match for the politics and betrayals of Idris. And with her ability to call up magical runes that no Shadowhunter has ever learned, a small thing like missing the portal to Idris isn't going to hold Clary back. But no sooner do brother, sister, and all their friends find themselves together again, than a new danger approaches, one greater than any they have faced before. It involves a magic mirror, a son with demon blood, and an army of hellish fiends that Valentine is ready to turn loose on the citizens of Idris, so that he can destroy all the Shadowhunters, call forth the angel who created them, and establish a new race of demon-fighting heroes.

Obviously, the good guys have to stop him, or they're all going to die. But it's not going to be easy when they are betrayed from within, crushed by griefs both old and new, torn between accepting help from "Downworlders" (vampires, werewolves, faeries, and wizards) and lumping them together with their enemies, and—in Jace's case—confused as to whether it is his destiny to do evil or good, or perhaps to go out in a blaze of glory before his own desires consume him from within. Fans of the "Twilight" saga, hungering for more action featuring fantasy heroes and villains of the teen fashion model type will find this series especially compelling. The rest of us will have to consider other merits of this book, such as a climactic angel visitation that I thought was portrayed with a surprising blend of terror and theological acuity. Truly, one should not wish lightly to be visited by an angel of God!

This book is a sequel to City of Bones and City of Ashes. The series continues with City of Fallen Angels (2011) and City of Lost Souls (coming in 2012). Cassandra Clare has also begun a prequel series called "The Infernal Devices." Set in the Victorian era, its titles so far include Clockwork Angel (2010) and Clockwork Prince (December 2011). For more information, visit the author's website.

Robbie Fischer
St. Louis, USA

Recommended Age: 14+

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