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 Protagonist: Clary's journey to Alicante in Idris brings her closer to discovering not only a way to wake her mother from her self induced coma, but it also brings her to a family history that only few know. As she discovers the past she never knew she grows stronger and more confidant as a character and her fire to protect those she cares about grows hotter. Now, with Valentine getting ever closer to achieving his ultimate goal she faces decisions that impact the fate of both Shadowhunters and Downworlders alike. The characterization and development that Clary goes through is slight, but it's that little bit of difference that gives Clary the courage to help those who need her. 
 Romance: Due to the fact that her feelings for Jace are something that she shouldn't be feeling they both try to distance themselves from one another, however there is still a pull that draws them ever closer. I'm still not sure how I feel about the incestuous relations as it starts to creep me out the closer the characters get. Many other characters have their own romantic drama, as Alec still has yet to tell his parents about his relationship with Magnus Bane and Simon grows closer to Isabelle and Maia which help the romantic aspect of this book to be redeemed from creep of the increasingly forbidden attraction between Clary and Jace. 
 World-Building: We learn in this installment what exactly happened surrounding the events of the Uprising, what happened between Valentine and Jocelyn as their love grew hot and then began to burn out as she realized his true wickedness. We are introduced Sebastian, a dark and mysterious Shadowhunter who's charm and charisma starts to sway Clary and there may be more to him than meets the eye. 
 Predictability: There are many parts to this installment that both shocked and amazed me at the things of this series that there were to learn. Now, there were things that were easily seen whether from foreshadowing or the fact that it would be the next logical piece of information needed. I loved how the seen and unforseen are woven through this book to help it speed along and keep the readers interest. 
 Ending: The ending is truly a roller coaster of emotions as everyone imaginable is presented. From happiness to horror this ending will tug at your heartstrings and as the book finally settles down it will warm your heart as it starts to set things right. The very end is a fun event that brings this fist half of the series to a close. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger but rather a resolution as this was originally intended to be a trilogy that was expanded. I loved how I felt that most of my questions were resolved and yet there were still some parts that were left open for the second half of the series. 
 Overall I'm giving this 5 out of 5 stars, it's definitely the best so far, I loved all the exposition that was revealed and the secrets that came to light.