Please don't read this if you haven't read the series yet, it's full of SPOILERS!!!
I'm not sure I can fully express how much in love I am with these books. Truly, I believe I can honestly say it is my favorite series that I have ever read, and if you know me, I don't often have one favorite of anything! Usually I have several favorites and can't decide which I like best of all; this seems to be an exception.
To repeat some of my review, the story arc is second to none, and only one other series even compares for me in this area: Harry Potter. The way the author builds the plot, character development, and relationships to the ultimate climax and then resolution, is truly masterful. I have read a few series in which the 3rd and/or final book has been a disappointment for one reason or another, but The Infernal Devices conclusion not only did not disappoint, it simply soared above and beyond anything I could have hoped for!
The story of Tessa, Will, and Jem, in my opinion, stands alone as the most unique, moving, and extraordinary love triangle I have ever experienced. And I say experienced, because it was so much more than simply reading; every change their various relationships went through was thoroughly felt. The thing that so distinguished their "love triangle", was the one-of-a-kind connection between Will and Jem. I absolutely loved their blood-brother bond. Their deep love for one another was the defining factor in both of their lives. This love was so true, that either of them would have given their life for the other; and not only that, but give up their happiness in life, which Will actually did for a while. I could go on and on about each of them; it's astonishing to me how wonderfully complex the author made both the characters and their respective relationships.
The other thing I have to rave about is the epilogue: undeniably one of the most moving chapters I have ever read, or even watched in a movie. Comparable to the opening of "Up", or the ending of "The Notebook", it was so achingly bittersweet; I have cried profusely each time I have read it! The beautiful description of Will and Tessa's life together as he lay on his deathbed is simply beyond compare. Their whole story throughout the series brought so many emotions, culminating in this profound final chapter in the series.
Of course, this brings up what happens after, and her reunion with Jem 80 years after Will died. At first, I wasn't sure how to feel about it, thinking it was just too perfect for her to end up having both of them; also that it somehow took away from what she had with Will. However, when I got some perspective about how long she had lived alone, and how much she really did love them both, I changed my mind. Besides, finding happiness with someone else after you lose the "love of your life", does not diminish said love. It also helped me to read Cassandra Clare's response to many reader's emotional reaction to the ending; I thought she very eloquently explained and added to my understanding of why she wrote it that way. If you are crazy like me and can't get enough, here is the link to that post: http://cassandraclare.tumblr.com/post/46238458552/clockwork-princess-spoiler-questions-and-answers
Well, I think that's all I am going to say, although if you know me you know I could probably talk about this for HOURS. I would love to read your comments on any or all of this!
The story of Tessa, Will, and Jem, in my opinion, stands alone as the most unique, moving, and extraordinary love triangle I have ever experienced. And I say experienced, because it was so much more than simply reading; every change their various relationships went through was thoroughly felt. The thing that so distinguished their "love triangle", was the one-of-a-kind connection between Will and Jem. I absolutely loved their blood-brother bond. Their deep love for one another was the defining factor in both of their lives. This love was so true, that either of them would have given their life for the other; and not only that, but give up their happiness in life, which Will actually did for a while. I could go on and on about each of them; it's astonishing to me how wonderfully complex the author made both the characters and their respective relationships.
The other thing I have to rave about is the epilogue: undeniably one of the most moving chapters I have ever read, or even watched in a movie. Comparable to the opening of "Up", or the ending of "The Notebook", it was so achingly bittersweet; I have cried profusely each time I have read it! The beautiful description of Will and Tessa's life together as he lay on his deathbed is simply beyond compare. Their whole story throughout the series brought so many emotions, culminating in this profound final chapter in the series.
Of course, this brings up what happens after, and her reunion with Jem 80 years after Will died. At first, I wasn't sure how to feel about it, thinking it was just too perfect for her to end up having both of them; also that it somehow took away from what she had with Will. However, when I got some perspective about how long she had lived alone, and how much she really did love them both, I changed my mind. Besides, finding happiness with someone else after you lose the "love of your life", does not diminish said love. It also helped me to read Cassandra Clare's response to many reader's emotional reaction to the ending; I thought she very eloquently explained and added to my understanding of why she wrote it that way. If you are crazy like me and can't get enough, here is the link to that post: http://cassandraclare.tumblr.com/post/46238458552/clockwork-princess-spoiler-questions-and-answers
Well, I think that's all I am going to say, although if you know me you know I could probably talk about this for HOURS. I would love to read your comments on any or all of this!
, was recommended to me on a list of books from a friend, and promptly forgotten about until she asked me several months later if I had read it. I decided if it was that good that she specifically asked about it, I would get right on it. Well, 15 months later, I have not only read the entire trilogy twice, I have also listened to the 2nd and 3rd installments on audio book! (I just finished the other night, and decided to finally write about it while it was fresh in my memory.) 
not only did not disappoint, it simply soared above and beyond anything I could have hoped for!