Book Review: City of Fallen Angels

City of Fallen Angels

By: Cassandra Clare

Published by McElderry Books

Release Date: May 2011

Buy it on Amazon

Genre: Young Adult

Suitable for ages 13 and up

Source: I own it

Summary on GoodReads: City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever.

Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

My thoughts:

First, an apology. To our readers, and to Cassie Clare. You see, this book was released weeks ago. I eagerly anticipated its arrival, as did many others. I read it voraciously. I fully intend to read it again. I am in love with this series. Thus, the apology- this review should have been posted weeks ago. I feel like I’ve insulted the book by not posting a rave review immediately. I hope this one, despite the delay, will suffice.

I believe Cassandra Clare is getting better by the novel. City of Fallen Angels is the fourth volume of The Mortal Instruments series- the urban fantasy story of teens in New York fighting an assortment of supernatural evils. The story is told from the point of view of Clary Fray, a girl raised as an ordinary human, only to find out that she has supernatural blood and some amazing powers. Her best friend, Simon, has at this point in the story become a vampire. Her mother has been awoken from a coma, and is planning her wedding to a werewolf. Her good friends Izzy and Alec are trying to manage their relationships, while Clary struggles, as usual, to manage her own with Jace.

I don’t like spoilery reviews, so I won’t get much more into the details of the plot. I will give you a few heads-up tips, though: There is much more Simon in this book than I anticipated- and that’s a good thing. Simon is still growing into himself, both as a vampire and as a potential boyfriend. He makes some good progress on both counts.

There is a new character you’ll to know. He is important to this book, but I wonder if he might be even more important in the future.

There is a certain scene very near the end of the book that will probably make you scream, “WHAT???” At least, that’s what happened to me. Please try very hard not to throw the book. I am certain that Cassie will be working on another volume that will provide some answers.

If all you really want is angsty Jace, well, there is plenty of that. If you’re looking for a steamy scene with Jace and Clary, that can be found, too. This series is very plot driven, though; as much as we’d like some quiet time with our favorite Shadowhunter, there is STUFF going on.

If you’re familiar with the series and are just now picking up this latest installment, be sure you have a clear calendar for the next 12 hours or so. Have snacks prepared. Feed the pets, and alert your friends that you are not to be disturbed, because you’ll likely be reading straight through all 424 pages.

If you haven’t read this series yet- seriously?? What could possibly be your excuse?

I am anxiously anticipating the publication of the next book in the series, as well as the movie, which is currently in pre-production. Can you see my big grin from where you are? That’s me, anticipating seeing these characters on the big screen.