City of Glass: Mortal Instruments #3    by Cassandra Clare Order:  USA  Can Margaret K. McElderry, 2010 (2009) Hardcover, Softcover, Audio, CD, e-Book Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson City of Glass is the third (following City of Bones and City of Ashes) in Cassandra Clare's outstanding Mortal Instruments series, filled with fast-paced action. It's set in a New York City where human mundanes coexist with Downworlders (including werewolves, vampires, and faeries) and are threatened by demons. The power hungry villain of the series, rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, is after three Mortal Instruments - he has already acquired the Mortal Cup and Mortal Sword, and now seeks the Mortal Mirror. His daughter Clary never knew her father. She grew up in the mundane world with Simon as her best friend, and only recently discovered that she is a Shadowhunter. Her mother is in a coma and she stays with her mother's friend Luke, who leads a werewolf pack, including young Maia. Clary has become close to Shadowhunter siblings Jace, Alec and Isabelle (Izzy). Alec is attracted to warlock Magnus, his sister Izzy has had a fling with a member of the Seelie Court, and Simon (who's long loved Clary) appeals to Maia. Oh, and Simon has been turned into a vampire, a unique Daylighter who can withstand sunlight. As City of Glass opens, Clary and Jace struggle with their love for each other - given their discovery that they are brother and sister. Clary is anxious to travel to Alicante, City of Glass, where she hopes to find a cure for her mother's self-induced coma. Jace, Alec, Isabelle, Simon, Clary and Luke all end up in Alicante - though Simon's presence is unintentional, and Clary's illicit, after she opens a Portal herself and pulls Luke through with her. Simon is imprisoned and questioned by the new Inquisitor, while Clary meets Luke's sister Amatis and is attracted to handsome Shadowhunter Sebastian. What follows is a dizzying tangle of politics, betrayals and violence, with astonishing revelations about the past tossed in en route. Stephenie Meyer calls the Mortal Instruments series 'a story world that I love to live in' and Tamora Pierce says it's 'A tale edged by lightning, driven by power and love.' What more can a mere mundane add? City of Glass is an amazing read, and includes previews of both City of Fallen Angels (the fourth in this series) and of Clockwork Angel, first in a prequel series, Infernal Devices. I can't wait! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews