I finished this book on Thursday, it's now Saturday and yes I guess you could say that I'm still speechless and overwhelmed over the events that took place in this book (this has been happening quite a lot lately, it must be Cassandra Clare's emotionally destroying plot twists and characters that put me in such a "idk what just happened but that was insanely amazing" mindset). 
 Without spoiling or giving away too much of the plot, the fifth installment of The Mortal Instruments series is an intense, drama filled, emotionally destructive roller coaster. The book starts on an incredibly sad note with Simon and his mother, that scene tore my heart into many pieces, I can't even imagine what going through what he did must've felt like (I'm glad he thought ahead and prepared himself for such a circumstance). I've read and watched many reviews where people have mentioned the "slow and elongating" pace of the book. I for one found the pace exciting and just right. I often find that with fantasy books the pace (specifically in action scenes or so called "rewarding scenes" too fast, which ultimately for me makes the scene disengaging or worse rushed and confusing) (note: this has only happened once but it left a permanent scar). The pace of this book is slow but it fits the mood of the book, TENSION IS A PERFECT WORD TO DESCRIBE THIS BOOK. The slow, and "dragging on" chapters are what build tension and apprehension, emotions that were important for this particular story line. 
 I've become so attached to all of these characters, so much so that i've begun quoting their sarcastic remarks religiously and naming my friends and acquaintances after them. If you're uncertain or weary about starting this series let me just assure you that the characters are what make this series so incredibly wonderful (the plot and settings ARE A BONUS ALSO but the characters HOLY GODS). All of the characters have an incredible complexity and well roundedness IT BRINGS A TEAR TO MY EYE. Whether you decide to just read the first book or read the entire series, I can promise you one thing... and that is that you will meet a lovely bunch of people, that will in the smallest or largest way possible BRING SUCH JOY AND HAPPINESS in your book loving life. 
 P.S I LOVE JORDAN KYLE OKAY like please send him my way 
 March 8th THOUGHTS: review to come soon when I calm down and stop hyperventilating HOLY CRAP THAT ENDING HOLY CRAP GOD SAKE 
 *cries in a corner and slowly prepares for the finale*