“Hearts are breakable. And I think even when you heal, you’re never what you were before.”
Sysnopsis From Book Jacket:
The Mortal War is over, 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 her life, Downworldsers and Shadowhutners are all 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 iont the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself haas 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 (quoted from the book’s jacket).
Personal Thoughts:
I got this latest addition to The Mortal Instruments series last Thursday night but as much as I want to read it as soon as it landed on my hand, I need to wait till my spare time allow me. Trying to do work instead of picking up the book was extremely hard. When I started reading it, I was hooked into it. First few pages of the book and I found my self smiling and laughing already. It’s always a treat to read about the world of shadowhunters and those lovely characters inside this world.
As expected there are more of Simon Lewis in the story. I never felt attached to Simon before but in this book he has certainly begun to grow on me. City Of Fallen Angels give so much more dept and emotion to his character. Reading more of him is like discovering an old friend and becoming more close to him. Same thing goes with Iz, she doesn’t have much exposure like Simon but you’ll definitely feel her presence. She’s one of the surprising revelations of this book. It’s nice to see the different side of her. I’m beginning to like her more. The development of Simon & Iz’s relationships is nicely built.
More of Simon doesn’t actually mean less of Jace. For awhile it bothers me that Simon is getting the spotlight from Jace. But after few chapters more of reading I begun to understand the need of it. Jace in here is different. He is more vulnerable and worried. It’s so disturbing to see him in despair and tormented. But as usual Clare knows best how to handle her characters. She’s definitely aiming for something bigger because Jace torture has a huge role in the plot. A bit cruel for Jace but worth journey for readers. Magnus Bane is also back together with Alec. It’s nice to see the new side of Alec. I love him with Magnus and it so sad that they don’t have much part in the story. I miss Magnus witty commentary so much, hopefully to get more of those in the coming books.
I’m still amazed with the author’s world building skills. She’s definitely has talent in writing. Honestly, after reading the three books I don’t know if Clare can manage to deliver more for the series. But she did a great job in this one. City of Fallen Angels is intense. Everything has been taken to a new level. It makes the series becomes more darker and more engaging. Somehow it feels like I’m starting a new series again. Except for the fact that I already discover the shadowhunters world and already connected with the characters.
I like that Cassandra Clare doesn’t focus on couple relationships alone. It’s not about just Jace and Clary or Simon and Iz and Maia. Every characters has their own part in the story. I also like the idea of balance between good and evil. How every actions have its own consequences. The side story with the Sellie Queen, I was surprised that it didn’t use much as part of the plot, obviously it’s something that need to be reveal in the next books.
The ending is beautifully painful and heart-breaking, which makes me want the next book so much. I hate it when it just end like that. What will happen to Jace now? Isn’t it enough that he was tortured the whole time in this book? And now Clare is also torturing the readers! I don’t know how I will manage waiting for the next book that will be release thirteen months from now. I’m just thankful that a least there is Clockwork Prince in the middle of waiting.
With all that, City of Fallen Angels is a nice addition to The Mortal Instruments series. It was as well-written as the previous books. With a growing characters, wrapping world and unpredictable plot filled with darkness, pain and mysteries, City Of Fallen Angels is definitely worth the wait.
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