This book was a bit better than the first. There's more character development, and although I may not be able to completely relate to the characters, I am starting to like them. The scenes are not as anticlimactic as they were in book one. Although the storyline is not unique and can be predictable, the conflict between Jace and Clary is one I've never read before. (view spoiler)[ I keep waiting for the big reveal that they are not siblings afterall. It should be creepy that they are so attracted to each other, but it's not and I think it's because I don't believe they truly are brother & sister. (hide spoiler)] I switched over to reading rather than listening to the audiobook, and it has made it more enjoyable. Although the narrator for this book isn't as bad as the first, reading is preferable. There is too much teen angst in the narrator's tone that takes away from the characters.