** spoiler alert ** 
 I was going to give this 3 stars all the way through and then I thought about giving it 4. In an ideal world (GOODREADS!) I'd give it 3 and a half. I like the concept but sometimes the dialogue grates me but I can see why YA readers like it. Myself, I like the concept of shadow hunters - other than that, there really isn't anything in these books which is truly unique. And I love that there is a huge element of risk in the Clary (hate the name, I change it to Clarissa when reading, it sounds.... childish) and Jace's (equally dislike the name but Jonathan doesn't suit him) relationship - that takes balls. But it isn't as grim as it might be perceived - it is actually very sympathetically explored - although the kiss in the Seelie Court could have been toned down somewhat and I'm fascinated to see how far it goes. The story is reminding me of the Secret Circle very much. Bit of a shame Simon had to vampify - I liked the idea of keeping someone mundane/human in Clarissa's life. Vampires are always cool, but it over-complicates a love triangle (or at the end of the book, a non-love triangle - Jace and Simon got more action than anyone - together - a new ship?)which was fascinating to start with. Also, why are some of the characters - eg Alec & Isabelle not openly bothered about the incest? They have their own relationship interests with Magnus and the weird fae guy respectively but in the grand scheme of things they are darn normal relationships. Anyway, at some point I'll read the next one but I can't say I'd be too devastated if I didn't.