Title: City of Fallen Angels
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: McElderry Books
Pages: 424
Source: Barnes and Noble
Back of Book Summary:
The Mortal War is over, and 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 important of all- Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.
But nothing comes without a price.
Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle, 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. At the same time he’s dating two beautiful, dangerous girls- neither of whom knows about the other.
When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she 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.
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.
Review:
Characters:
From the start, I have fallen in love with Clary, Jace, Simon, and Isabella in the Mortal Instruments series. The pattern followed suit in the 4th book: City of Fallen Angels. Cassandra Clare brought these characters alive through her masterful storytelling abilities, so they might befriend the readers. Their pains, joys, struggles, and sacrifices feel like the reader’s pains, joys, struggles, and sacrifices. Even in this world of fantasy that Ms. Clare creates there are certain elements of realism- such as the characters and their day-to-day conflicts- that keeps the story grounded in reality. I rooted for Clary and Jace to solidify their relationship.
Plot/Conflict/Theme:
The plot is complex. The flow of the story keeps you guessing- Cassandra Clare stays one step ahead of the reader as he or she tries to solve the mystery behind Jace’s tortuous nightmares, Simon’s stalker problems, and the mysterious killings of the former Circle members. Each of these conflicts intertwined together in the clash between Downworlders and Shadowhunters.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series- as there was a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of City of Fallen Angels.
Quality of Writing:
Cassandra Clare is a master storyteller. Her writing is full of well-developed descriptions of action scenes, characters, and setting. The dialogue is memorable moving the story forward, building tension, and revealing different sides of characters.
Favorite Line: Jace is speaking to Clary about his love for her. I thought it was extremely romantic
“”…You know that line from Dante that I quoted you in the park? ‘L’amor che move il sole e l’altre stelle’? […]” “It’s a bit of the very last verse from Paradiso- Dante’s Paradise. ‘My will and my desire were turned by love, the love that moves the sun and the other stars.’ Dante was trying to explain faith, I think, as an overpowering love, and maybe it’s blasphemous, but that’s how I think of the way that I love you. You came into my life and suddenly I had one truth to hold on to- that I loved you, and you loved me”” (408).
My Rating:
Book: I for Incredible
Cover: B for Basically Brilliant
I just started reading this fabulous book-thanks to your recommendation I am reading something new!
ReplyDeleteI need to read the whole series again I think!! I didn't even remember two of the character's names!! Goal for break: read this book!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a goal that I think you will like to accomplish!! My goal...to read more great books and post at least two more book reviews!! Thanks for inspiring the goals!
ReplyDeleteSo I finally finished and it was spectacular. When I first started reading I was disappointed that it was from Simon's point of view, but she did a good job of still bringing Clary in. Can't wait for the next one!
ReplyDeleteThe story line was a little slow in the beginning and it took a while to get to the point where I didnt want to put the book down. Even though its a continuation, I felt she was spending a lot of time explaining past events and character relationships. However once the story was rolling the book was great. It ended to soon, but I guess thats how they make you want the next book. I also like how she is weaving these books with Infernal Devices. Overall a great continuation and a must read.
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