City of Glass: Cassandra Clare *** Best of the Series ***

Rarely does an author get better with each novel as well as Cassandra Clare does. I was pulled in from the first page and only let go momentarily at the end, knowing I wanted and needed more. Yet, there was such a complete storyline with this one, I have to admit I'm not sure I'm running out to read City of Fallen Angels. Frankly, I didn't even know there was a Book 4 brewing until just before it came out, and the jacket cover for City of Glass specifies it as the final installment of the Mortal Instruments triology. I'm worried the author envisioned a well-planned and executed trilogy and was talked into a fourth for obvious, money-making reasons. I hope I'm wrong. I will eventually give the next book a chance. But I want to bask in the glow of this finish first.

Spoiler Alert: Jace and Clary finally find their way to each other with a hugely entertaining and not-what-I-expected reveal. Oh, I knew the two weren't brother and sister, but the author pulled me through the story in a way I never imagined. The introduction of Sebastian and the angel-infused manipulation by Valentine were brilliant. Brava Ms. Clare. And the ending with Jace and Clary and the Angel in the lake . . . stunning. Am I being vague? Yes. I don't want to ruin it too much. It's like telling someone at the beginning of The Sixth Sense that he can see dead people. The movie instantly becomes totally obvious and less stunning. I wouldn't do that to this book or this author.

I loved the come-to-Jesus (no pun intended) meetings between the Downworlders and Shadowhunters. Epic stuff. But if they can do it, maybe Republicans and Democrats can find a way to come together. Maybe!

I think this series is better written and executed that the Twilight series. Don't hate me (you know who you are!!). I can't wait to see these books turned into movies.