** spoiler alert ** 
 Ok wow.. this series really took a turn in the third book. I feel the author kind of became more serious on the overall plot of the story. What can I say? I was immensely impressed with this book, and I actually ended the book with a smile on my face. Note this review contains spoilers! So whoever wants to read this review better be ready :P 
 My most favorite moment in the story was when Clary figured out the Rune of Alliance. That was fantastic and corporeal, and honestly unexpected! I would never have imagined that the way to defeat Valentine was to have both Shadowhunters and Downworldlers working together, and the way Clary figured out about the Rune was amazing. 
 The other moment that left me gasping with shock was when Valentine summoned the angel Raziel. It was perfectly done!!! The rising itself, the explanation of the Angel's look, the dialogue between all left me eating word after word until that scene was over!! PERFECT!! 
 Clary herself kind of amazed me in this book. I spent the last two books hating her because she was whiny and always needed saving, and the dialogue she had with the characters were ever so boring!! However, in this book she tried to rise to the occasion several times (while unfortunately still keeping her silly dialogue in place, but nobody is perfect right?). She tried to be strong, for Jace, for Simon, for her mother, and the scenes which had her were well-done. 
 I was also impressed with the introduction of the new character Sebastian, and I figured out who he was way early into the story because the characters kept referring to him and foreshadowing certain details that led to my breakthrough. 
 Simon is one of my favorite characters, mainly because he is smart and captivating. I find Jace a bit too james-bond at times, and until now I see no absolute reason why Alec is in the story, unless it is just to ogle Magnus. 
 Overall, I am so glad that the author took a turn in events with this book, as I was really hating the series to begin with. That said, I cannot wait to start reading book4!!!!