I'd read almost all of the books in The Mortal Instruments (TMI), except for the last book, City of Heavenly Fire, which is now long overdue since I cannot remember some scenes in the series. Anyway, I read this book because soon enough it will be a TV series, that a true Shadowhunter should not be missed. 
 Moving forward, for the review; I could neither say that this first book of The Infernal Devices (TID) was bad nor good. But it clearly did not blow me away like those I read in the comments and reviews; it was very average in every way. Though I must admit, this book was way better than the City of Bones. And I couldn't help but see similarities between them - a spy inside the institute, arrogant and annoying male leads, mysterious and unknown past, father issues and whatnot. And I was a bit confused about the terminologies and what they do (iratze, seraph blades, etc.) in this book, yet Clare described everything more clearly than her debut novel. 
 Additionally, the way Cassandra Clare wrote this story was very elegant. Not sure if it had something do with the Victorian settings, but regardless she still richly created a very vivid era. London in 1900s was dark and gloomy and, well, rainy. Still, I found the period setting along with Tess' abilities more interesting. (Surprisingly, London in 1900s was very gloomy and dark and rainy which was far from what I imagined! But anyway I don't really know London since I've never been there. LOL.) 
 I rated it two stars because the story was a bit dragging. Too much history, too much talking and recon. For me, it went too long. There were parts that I skipped because I could not fathom a thing Clare said. 
 Then again, there were still good things in the story. The kickass action scenes and the twist, in the end, were oh so awesome. I liked Tessa and her power to Change and how she can touch their minds, that's impressive. Yes, Clare's strategy on how to keep us going by concealing the truth about their past and backgrounds still made me want to read the second up to the last book. Also, I want to know who she ends up with. Don't we all want to? 
 So, all in all, the plot was not so bad at all. If Clare could make the narrations and storytelling short, and stop having so much drama about their past then it'll be better. 
 "One must always be careful with books and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us."