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Review: The city of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
Published by Walker Books
Series: Mortal Instruments #4
Source: Review copy


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.


***
I don't think I can write a long review about this book without spoiling it so I'm not even going to try but do be warned you probably don't want to read this review if you've not finished the earlier books in the series.

What I liked ...
I loved settling into the characters I loved in the previous books again. I loved seeing how they had moved on since book 3 and I loved seeing how their relationships had changed and evolved especially the relationship between Jace and Clary.
I loved Jace in this book - that boy is gorgeous and wonderful. I could have happily read a book all about him, preferably without his top on!
The tension between Jace and Clary was electric throughout the entire book. The "will they/won't they" visit South Carolina (if you've been on twitter you'll know what I mean) almost killed me.
There were loads of twists and turns as I've come to expect from Cassies books which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.
I loved Simon in this book especially as he starts to come to terms with his Vampireyness and what it means for him long term.
New character Kyle is just a little bit awesome. I won't say anything at all about him as if I start I'll spoil something for someone.

What could have been better ...
I would have liked Alec and Magnus to have had more screen time as I didn't feel like I got enough of them in this book although I did love what I saw of them.
I would have liked more links between this series and Clockwork Angel. There were teasing hints but nothing too explicit at the moment.
The ending was just a bit too painful. Not sure I can wait to see what happens next.

What I hope will come next ...
More Clary and Jace and their general gorgeousness.
More action with the werewolves
More crossing over of the two Cassie Clare worlds.


All in all a fantastic installment in one of my favourite series which I really enjoyed. I can't wait for the next book.

Thank you Walker Books for the review copy

Comments

Essjay said…
I'm about halfway through and am LOVING it. Can't believe we have to wait over a year for the next one - arghhh!
serendipity_viv said…
I read this in two sittings. I actually made arrangements for my kids to go out yesterday, just so I could finish it. It is just awesomeness at it best. I loved every page of it.
I am really, really looking forward to the next book! I need to know what's going to happen next. :) Thanks for sharing your awesome review!
Liz. R said…
I was hoping for more Alec and Magnus too! But happy with it overall as well, and can't wait for City of Lost Souls!
I'm so sad! They said they would send me a copy, and I never got one :( It'll be the library for me..
nicole lucini said…
if the ending was just a bit too painful i cant believe we have to wait over a year for the next book that you'll publish..so sad!!
nicole lucini said…
I really like every book of Cassandra Clare esp this 'the mortal instruments' and i was really sad because i thought the book 3 would be the last book in this series..but i know now its not! lol :))