City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Pages: 424
Source: Personal Copy
Rating:  
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She’s training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her. His mother just found out that he’s a vampire and now he’s homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse that’s wrecking his life. And they’re willing to do anything to get what they want. Not to mention that he’s dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other one.

When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace. – Amazon

Review:
Meh. Though I absolutely fell in love with The Mortal Instruments, I was one of the fans that didn’t hoot and cheer when I found out that the series would be extended with three more books. I felt that the story had wrapped up well enough and, more importantly, that the characters had gone through enough. Still, it would be impossible to not pick this up — especially not with the rumblings of a cliffhanger. I had to know what happened!

Although I did enjoy him a lot more in my re-reads of the first three books, Simon is probably the character I least care about in the series. Needless to say, I wasn’t too thrilled to have him be a central focus in this one. Though his relationship with his mom could have been an interesting one to explore, we obviously can’t have too much parental involvement in YA. Instead, we get to deal with his little love triangle to which I say: who cares? I did enjoy his scenes with Jace, though. It was surprising to see these two interact as much as they did and, as could be expected, they made me laugh.

Will Clary and Jace ever be at peace?! Reason #1 I wasn’t excited about this book happening: Clary and Jace getting dragged through more angst. These two have hardly had time to enjoy one another’s company without something messing things up for them. I get it, they’re in love, but if I were one of them I’d be so over this relationship already. Sigh. Of course, I do still love them.

I wish there had been more of the other characters, Alec and Magnus in particular, since they were a highlight. Also, I loved the Will Herondale mentions! I can’t wait to see further connections between the two generations. As for the cliffhanger, I’ll look forward to the drama it will bring in the next two books. However, and without giving anything away, I wasn’t too surprised by it; I actually thought it had already happened earlier in the book and that the cliffhanger would be the reveal. Yay for vagueness!

City of Fallen Angels did pick up steam as it went along, but I still hold firm that this installment of the series was unnecessary. I do think the next two books will hold my interest – especially with that cliffhanger – but I can’t say I’ll be eagerly counting down the days for their release. Instead, I’ll be saving my countdowns for Cassandra’s other series, The Infernal Devices. Is it time for Clockwork Prince yet?