Hardcover, 424 pages
Released: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
ISBN13: 9781442403543
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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 Rating: 3.5 / 5
My Thoughts:
*** Be forewarned, as this is book 4 of a series, there will be spoilers ahead!***
I never wrote up reviews for the first three books of the series, but if I had I would have given them 5 stars. In terms of writing style, Cassie Clare is one of my favourite writers. That being said, it also means I have high expectations.
It took about halfway into the book to really get into it. Maybe I was spoiled with all the action in the previous books? Here, there was a lot more world building, new & important characters and Simon played a larger roll. The world has expanded to include a group called Praetor Lupus who act as guardians and Lilith who is the mother of all demons. I was hoping to find out more about the White book, the Seelie Queen and see more of Magnus. Simon just doesn't do it for me, he seemed flat plus his two-timing dating issues dragged on for too long. Jace and Clary were lacking luster here too as Jace is dealing with issues, trying so hard not to become his dad.
Full of twists and turns, I enjoyed the ride for a while but the ending left me confused. (Spoiler alert) If Simon's mark makes him untouchable, how did the demon expect to trade his life for Jonathan's and still live? As she is known to be a schemer, I figured a loop hole would have been found, but no. Did she do it expecting to become a martyr?
I finished the book rather frustrated and not in a good way, not anxious for answers from the next book. Will I read #5 when it's out? Darn right! When reviewing The White Cat last year, I also felt is was too much world building so I'm hoping this is the case here too, because I absolutely LOVE that series now (I gave 5 stars to The Red Glove).
About Author Mel Boulrice
I thought City of Fallen Angels was wonderful as I love the complicated love relationships that Cassie manages so well. I'd definitely give it 4.5/5.
ReplyDeleteAs for the deal with Simon, it was because he would do it voluntarily because of his love for Clary and to reinforce that notion, Jace tells Clary the strongest force in the universe is Love it conquers all.
Whisper ~ I'm glad you loved it! I didn't feel the connection as strongly with the characters this time :(
ReplyDelete**Spoiler alert** I hope you come back & see this because that is the part that confused me. If she thought it would work if he did it willingly (which is what I had thought too, I even went as far back as searching passages thinking maybe I had interpreted something wrong), why then when he willingly jumps in between does the backlash still happen? I mean, he was willingly doing it there too, no?
I really enjoyed this book as well, at least until I got to the end when I got so mad I threw it across the room. I know I won't be missing the next book either.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand your frustrations, especially the Simon triangle! I liked the Lilith storyline and what she was working towards; you knew it was inevitable after the mysterious disappearance in City of Glass. But, I didn't love this one either. Too many character perspectives, not enough Clary & Jace...and geez, will they ever catch a break?!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I never got into these books. I'm sure that once the movie previews start playing I'll grab book two and give it a whirl. Still, if this one is going to leave me frustrated maybe I'll survive without reading past the third in the series. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteJenn ~ Glad it wasn't just me!
ReplyDeleteJackie ~ and we so wanted to love it too :(
Lizzy ~ the 1st 3 of the series were amazing so I wouldn't count them ot just yet. I'm an optimist so hoping book 5 redeems itself :)
I found myself thinking this book is a transition type read. One to fill us in with the happenings in there lives and lead us up for the next action packed adventure with the characters... or I hope. ;D Very nice review. And I'll be waiting for the next book too! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd now I have to read The White Cat. Thank you. ;D
I loved the first three books but I agree with you that this one isn't as good. I still plan to read the next book and hope that it will be better.
ReplyDelete