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).
