Reviews also on our site:Readers In Wonderland 
 I originally only picked this up out of pure curiosity, reviews on it were definitely scattered and I had wanted nothing to do with novels that added unnecessary sequels. I decided to suck it up and just read it. The first three books were great, in my opinion, so this one had to have some redeeming qualities-they were written by the same author so some things had to be the same. My thoughts for the novel are all over the place, so to help better organize them I just sorted this review into two sections. 
 Likes: 
 The end. Before you get the wrong idea, I mean this in a good way. The last hundred pages or so flew by because of the suspenseful climax and cliffhanger ending. Especially ten pages until the end, everything is winding down and seems like a happy ending and then you are surprised when nothing is in fact what is seems. Loved it. The action was written amazingly in these last scenes too. 
 Something that some people hated I actually really enjoyed was the many POVs. Seeing the story and what problems other characters are having in the background was interesting to me. When I'm reading something I always wonder, "Wow, I wonder what (secondary character) thinks in this situation." Enjoy the comfort (or annoyance) of always knowing in COFA. And I do mean always. 
 Simon. A good chunk of the book was in his perspective and I didn't like that at first. But he really grew on me and I ended up liking him a whole lot more than I did previously. Although it was probably because he found two new girls instead of whining over Clary like a sad puppy. 
 Dislikes: 
 Jace. It seemed like almost everything I liked about Jace in the first few novels was gone. He was totally a different character. Sure, the guy was possessed (not really a spoiler, somewhat tells you on the back) but not even when he wasn't possessed did he act like himself. Some of his humor was there, but he had maybe three funny lines in the entire novel. 
 Alec. I love Alec and Magnus together but in COFA all they seemed to do is fight and argue over mortality and Magnus's past. Alec, the guy has been around for hundreds or years, you think you're the only guy-or girl-he's been with? Sigh. 
 Clary. Clary lost a lot of her kick-assiness (making up works here but you get it) she used to have. Now she can't even seem to defend herself. 
 Conclusion: 
 Despite the faults, mostly in character personalities, this book is still four stars from me. Though I think you'll only enjoy it if you really liked the first three books.