I really liked this one. Yes, when I first started it I was sure this was going to be just another YA book. I was even scared when I read the protagonist was 15 because that meant that either it was going to be hard to relate to her, or that if I could, the story would probably be a bit plain to me. But I was really drawn to the plot, to the story in itself. It was fast-paced and engaging, and I also liked the idea behind the different species, etc. 
 However, there are A LOT of flaws. First, this story is WAY too predictable. That was what bothered me the most. At some point I was wondering whether the characters had some sort of brain damage since they couldn't put two and two together. (view spoiler)[Valentine has been dead for 15 years and Clary's dad died before she was born. She's fifteen... Wait! I think something is buzzing... No, wait that was just a fly. Nevermind. (hide spoiler)] Secondly, Clary is probably the most naive character I've ever seen. Her favorite line: "Does it hurt?" Two words: Who. Cares. You're going to do whatever it is you're going to do anyway, regardless of whether it hurts so why do you keep wanting to know? And Simon. He nearly had to punch her in the face so she would understand he liked her. Come ON. I get that you are weird and special and can see stuff all that, but how dumb can you be? 
 Still, I end up liking it. Probably because of the guys. I think they were great characters. I know there's a lot of controversy about how Jace is Malfoy and Simon is a Ron/Harry mashup, but to be honest, I didn't know that before and never did one of them come to my mind while reading it. I didn't read her fanfiction, either, so that's probably why I didn't find the connection at all. It was pretty good for me so I'll continue with the next ones and hope Clary's character growns on me. Cross your fingers :)