Ms. Clare has done it! This is officially my favorite book in the Mortal Instruments series! Sit back, relax, and I'll tell you why. 
 The relationships! 
 I know...that was quick, I didn't even give you a build-up or have any suspense before I blurted it out...lol! I can't help it. Although I've enjoyed all the books in this series, my main focus has always been Jace and Clary. Truthfully, as I read the other books, I was just waiting for the moment when they'd be together and the rest of the characters were just a "nice to have". Don't get me wrong, I liked them all but I was all about the Jace/Clary experience. But, this book changed it all for me! This is the first time in the series where I wasn't rushing through to get to the next Jace/Clary scene...I was disappointed to leave Simon and Izzy, or Jordan and Maia, or Alec and Magnus each time the story changed course. In short, I want a book about each of these people...I'm invested 1000% in all of their futures! 
 I guess I should tell you that the story is pretty great too! Our boy Jace is in quite a bind thanks to Sebastian who, even when I thought he couldn't get any more evil, managed to make me dislike him even more! And Clary is taking matters into her own hands, getting stronger and not afraid to kick some butt! There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes and some new demons to kick up the yuck factor. 
 The friendships, the love, and the adventures grew exponentially in this book and the emotions I felt while reading it where not always butterflies and roses. There were many times that I was frustrated by the actions of some of these characters (yes, Alec...I'm looking at you!) and there were times where I sighed heavily at their decisions, but that's what made the book so great...it's why I couldn't put it down. Whenever a book can elicit emotions in me, whether swoony sighs or aggravated growls, that means I'm enjoying it. And this book definitely did that for me. It made me smile, it made me angry, it broke my heart...and, sadly, the next one is over a year away!!! 
 Bottom line...this is a great series that seems to be getting better and better. If you haven't started it, do it now. Trust me, you won't regret it!